Aviation fuel is a special type of petroleum-based fuel used for aircraft propulsion.

Aviation fuels must:

  1. Be non-corrosive.
  2. Be pumpable.
  3. Be self-lubricating.
  4. Permit quick starting of the engine.
  5. Be resistant to fungus growth.
  6. Have a low freezing point.
  7. Have a high calorific value (produce a lot of heat when burnt).
  8. Have low emissions.

Types of aviation fuel

  • Jet fuel
    1. Jet A-1
    2. Jet A
    3. Jet B
  • Avgas
    1. Grade 100
    2. Grade 100LL

Jet fuels

Jet A-1 is used globally in the Aircraft powered with turbine engines in civil aviation. Jet A-1 type aviation fuel is kerosene, and it is also called JP-1A.

Minimum Flash Point: 38 degrees C.
Maximum Freezing Point:-47 degrees C.

Jet A aviation fuel is a similar kerosene fuel type that is normally available only in the USA. It has the same flash point as Jet A-1 but a higher freeze point maximum (-40°C).

Jet B aviation fuel is used in military aviation. This fuel is a mixture of about 65% gasoline and 35% kerosene. This aviation fuel is used in low-temperature regions.

Avgas

Aviation gasoline is often referred to as “avgas” and is not dissimilar to normal vehicle petrol or gasoline.

Avgas is a gasoline-based fuel that is used in aircraft powered with piston engines.

This type of fuel is more volatile than kerosene-based fuels. A variation of this is Motor Gasoline (MOGAS), which is petrol from the garage forecourt.

There are mainly two grades of avgas used in general aviation community:

Grade 100 – This grade is 100/130. The lean mixture octane rating is 100 and the rich mixture rating octane is 130. It has a high lead content and is dyed green.

Grade 100LL – 100LL is the low lead version of Avgas 100. Avgas 100LL is dyed blue.

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