Why Petrol Is Not Used In Aeroplane

Petrol, also known as gasoline, is not commonly used as a fuel for airplanes due to several reasons:

Energy density: Jet fuel, such as Jet A or Jet A-1, has a higher energy density than petrol. This means that a given volume or weight of jet fuel can produce more energy, making it more efficient for aircraft engines.

Flash point: Petrol has a lower flash point compared to jet fuel. Flash point refers to the temperature at which a fuel can ignite when exposed to an open flame or spark. Jet fuel has a higher flash point, making it safer to handle and store on aircraft.

Availability and infrastructure: Jet fuel is readily available at airports around the world. Airports have specific infrastructure and storage facilities designed for jet fuel. Switching to petrol as a fuel would require significant changes to infrastructure and supply chains.

Engine design: Aircraft engines are specifically designed to operate with jet fuel. They are optimized for the characteristics of jet fuel, including its combustion properties and lubrication requirements. Adapting engines to run on petrol would require substantial modifications, which may not be practical or economically viable.

Safety considerations: Petrol is more volatile and flammable compared to jet fuel. Aircraft fuel systems are designed to handle the specific properties of jet fuel, which reduces the risk of accidents and fuel-related incidents. The use of petrol could potentially increase safety hazards.

It's worth noting that certain small aircraft, such as piston-engine planes, do use aviation gasoline (avgas) instead of jet fuel. However, these types of aircraft have different engine designs and operational requirements compared to larger commercial airliners.