2.3 Aircraft Systems and Flight

 

             One of the most critical systems on an aircraft is the fuel system. Any aircraft, regardless of its type, need fuel to fly. The basic goal of the fuel system is to maintain a constant fuel flow from the tanks to the engine, regardless of the aircraft's power setting or altitude. The complexity of fuel systems varies from aircraft to aircraft, depending on their size and design. In most situations, aircraft have specific fuel tanks and pumps to serve the engine or engines. We have four main tanks, wing tanks, and extra tanks for extended flights in my case as an F18 maintainer/mechanic. A fuel system failure can be both harmful and catastrophic. Component failures include, among other things, ruptured fuel lines, a faulty internal pump, and a failed fuel pump. A burst line can result in an external fire, whereas a faulty internal pump can result in inappropriate fuel transfer and a CG (center of gravity) problem. A faulty fuel pump could also result in an internal fire.

              In order to assist in mitigating these potential problems or types of failures. Aircrew members must be alert and follow emergency checklist procedures if they come across one during a flight while in the air. In addition, while on the ground, a maintainer must complete their checklist following the flight schedule that has been established. We also have scheduled maintenance inspections that must be followed and monitored no matter what platform in the aviation industry we are working on in order to maintain the overall integrity of the aircraft and to ensure its continued safe operation. All aircraft require both scheduled and unscheduled maintenance and inspections to ensure that they are safe to fly and airworthy (Aerocorner, n,d.)

Reference

 Aerocorner Types of Aircraft Inspections. Retrieved from:

https://aerocorner.com/blog/types-of-aircraft-inspections/