1. What is Aviation Fuel Consumption?

Aviation fuel consumption refers to the amount of fuel an aircraft engine burns per unit of time. Accurate fuel calculations are critical for flight planning, safety, and operational efficiency.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the basic fuel consumption formula:

Where:

• \( \text{rate} \) — Fuel burn rate in gallons per hour (gal/hr)
• \( \text{time} \) — Flight duration in hours

Explanation: The calculation provides the total fuel required for a given flight duration at a specific fuel burn rate.

3. Importance of Fuel Calculation

Details: Accurate fuel calculations ensure sufficient fuel for the flight plus reserves, prevent fuel exhaustion, and optimize aircraft performance.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the aircraft's fuel burn rate in gal/hr and the planned flight duration in hours. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's a typical fuel burn rate for small aircraft?
A: Small general aviation aircraft typically burn 5-20 gal/hr depending on engine size and operating conditions.

Q2: Should I include reserve fuel in this calculation?
A: This calculates only trip fuel. Always add reserve fuel (typically 30-45 minutes) to your total.

Q3: How does altitude affect fuel consumption?
A: Higher altitudes generally improve fuel efficiency due to reduced air density, but this varies by aircraft type.

Q4: What about fuel consumption during taxi, takeoff and climb?
A: These phases typically have higher fuel burn rates than cruise. Consult your aircraft's POH for specific data.

Q5: How accurate are manufacturer's fuel burn specifications?
A: Manufacturer numbers are typically for ideal conditions. Actual consumption may vary based on maintenance, loading, and operating conditions.