Does plane need petrol or diesel?

Do Planes Need Petrol or Diesel? The Fuel That Gets Us Airborne

When you picture a jetliner soaring through the sky, you might imagine it guzzling petrol or diesel like a car or truck. However, the reality of aircraft fuel is a bit more nuanced. While some aircraft can use petrol (also known as gasoline) or diesel, the vast majority rely on a different type of fuel altogether: kerosene.

Specifically, most commercial airliners and larger aircraft use a specialized type of kerosene known as Jet A-1 (or JP-1A in some regions). This fuel is similar to the kerosene used in some home heating systems, but it undergoes rigorous refining and testing to meet stringent aviation standards. Jet A-1 is preferred for its high energy density, allowing aircraft to carry less fuel for a given range, and its low freezing point, crucial for high-altitude flights where temperatures can plummet well below zero.

So why not petrol or diesel? While petrol offers excellent ignition properties, it’s also highly volatile and poses a greater fire risk. Diesel, on the other hand, is less flammable but denser and can suffer from waxing (solidification) at low temperatures, making it unsuitable for high-altitude operations. Kerosene strikes a balance, offering good energy density, reasonable flammability, and a low freezing point.

That said, not all aircraft use Jet A-1. Smaller, piston-driven aircraft, like those used for general aviation, sometimes use petrol, specifically a high-octane variety known as Avgas. Avgas is designed to resist detonation (uncontrolled explosion) in high-performance piston engines. Some smaller planes also have diesel engines and utilize Jet A or a specific type of aviation diesel. However, these represent a smaller portion of the overall aviation fuel market.

In summary, while petrol and diesel find limited use in certain segments of aviation, the dominant fuel for the vast majority of aircraft, particularly large commercial jets, is kerosene-based Jet A-1. This specialized fuel provides the necessary performance characteristics, safety profile, and suitability for the demanding environment of air travel. So, the next time you see a plane streak across the sky, remember it’s likely powered by kerosene, the unsung hero of modern aviation.