Many years ago I was told that aviation fuel was always measured by weight not volume (pounds rather than gallons). Is that still true?

star_gazer

This Wiki article does not indicate that that is true. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aviation_fuel Jun 06 12, 5:38 PM

skypilot024

Mass is constant. Volume changes with variations in temperature and pressure. The volume of fuel in an aircraft's tanks changes during the flight, (besides the obvious burn-off), because an airplane will experience huge temperature and pressure drops. Volume, temperature, and pressure are inextricably linked ... Source---many years of flying Jun 06 12, 6:22 PM

tadpoles_uk

An airplane's weight is critical in determining whether or not the plane can generate enough lift to go airborne at take-off. In addition to passengers and freight, the weight fuel in the tanks is a significant consideration. Also, the heat content of the fuel is consistent on a per pound basis, but not on a per volume basis. Especially in hot or high-altitude locations (thin air), a pilot needs to know that he is light enough to take off and that he has enough fuel to make his destination. Only weight can tell him that. http://www.pprune.org/spectators-balcony-spotters-corner/429201-calculating-aircrafts-weight.html Jun 08 12, 7:05 PM