Fuel

Different engines require different types of fuel to function properly. As a rule, piston engines must use the type AVGAS as fuel. This type of fuel works like regular gasoline. AVGAS can have different octane contents and lead additives. The two most common types of AVGAS are 100LL and 91/96. The type to be used is stated in the ** flight manual ** (POH - Pilot Operating Handbook). LL stands for low lead while the other variety is lead free.

Recently, some diesel engines have also been developed for light aircraft. These must be refuelled with ordinary diesel which has the same properties as the diesel used for certain cars and trucks. Diesel is also similar to jet fuel of the type JET A1 which is used for heavier machines with jet engines or turboprop engines. The JET A1 can also be refuelled in most diesel engines.

It is important to refuel an aircraft with the intended fuel as the engine may otherwise cut with an engine failure as a result!