General Overview Fuel Flow Systems
The purpose of the Fuel Quantity Measuring System is to provide the pilot with a visual representation of the amount of useable fuel which is currently being held within the aircrafts fuel tanks.
There are two basic methods of providing this measurement:
Resistive Type Measuring Systems
Capacitive Type Measuring Systems
Both of these systems provide fuel quantity information by varying a precisely controlled electrical signal. However the method of varying that signal is considerably different between the two. In general, while resistive type systems are reasonably accurate and reliable they do not provide the high level precision and extended long term reliability that is provided by the capacitive type system. As a result, in modern aircraft, resistive systems are typically relegated to lower cost, lower performance aircraft while higher cost, and higher performance aircraft will almost always utilize the capacitive systems.
This training document will provide a general knowledge about both of these systems without going too deeply into the engineering and technical aspects of either system. This document is not intended to provide technical training at a level that would permit the student to perform repairs or maintenance on this system but rather is intended to provide a general knowledge of those systems at a level required by a Sales or Marketing person. Therefore only following subjects will be addressed:
a) A General Theory of System Operation
b)Components of the system
c) System pros and cons
d) Typical failure modes
e) Typical end users
f) Common manufacturers
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