1. What is the Fuel Mass Calculation?

The fuel mass calculation determines the weight of fuel in an aircraft tank based on its volume and specific gravity. This is essential for flight planning, weight and balance calculations, and ensuring aircraft safety.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the fuel mass formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Tank Volume} \) — Volume of fuel tank in liters
• \( \text{Fuel Specific Gravity} \) — Density of fuel relative to water (kg/L)

Explanation: The formula calculates the mass of fuel by multiplying the volume of fuel by its specific gravity, which represents the fuel's density.

3. Importance of Fuel Mass Calculation

Details: Accurate fuel mass calculation is crucial for aircraft weight and balance, fuel management, flight planning, and ensuring the aircraft operates within safe weight limits.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter tank volume in liters and fuel specific gravity in kg/L. Common aviation fuel specific gravities range from 0.71-0.84 kg/L (Jet A, AVGAS). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is fuel mass important in aviation?
A: Fuel mass directly affects aircraft weight, which impacts performance, fuel efficiency, and safety. Proper weight distribution is critical for aircraft stability.

Q2: What are typical specific gravity values for aviation fuels?
A: Jet A fuel typically has a specific gravity of 0.80-0.84 kg/L, while AVGAS (aviation gasoline) ranges from 0.71-0.75 kg/L.

Q3: How does temperature affect fuel mass calculations?
A: Fuel density changes with temperature. Warmer fuel expands (lower density), while colder fuel contracts (higher density). Calculations should use specific gravity at the current temperature.

Q4: Should I use imperial or metric units?
A: This calculator uses metric units (liters and kg). For imperial units (gallons and pounds), different conversion factors would be needed.

Q5: How accurate are these calculations?
A: The calculation provides a good estimate, but actual fuel mass may vary slightly due to temperature variations and fuel composition differences.