Do airplanes use diesel or gasoline?

[LeHeidi]

Airplanes use aviation kerosene, not gasoline or diesel. Aircraft fuel has many requirements, such as: appropriate density, good combustibility, ability to achieve complete combustion, minimal carbon deposits, good fluidity at low temperatures, high cleanliness, good oxidation resistance, and stable combustion. The reasons why airplanes use aviation kerosene are as follows: 1. Aviation kerosene: Aviation kerosene has high lubricity, cleanliness, and heat properties, low corrosiveness, and more stable combustion. 2. Gasoline: Gasoline is highly effective, easy to burn, and has low safety. 3. Diesel: Diesel has a higher density, higher viscosity, is prone to freezing, and only very fine nozzles can atomize the fuel, making it unsuitable for aircraft engines.

[Raphael]

Aircraft mostly use jet fuel instead of diesel or gasoline. Jet fuels like Jet-A are kerosene-based and specifically designed for modern jet engines, as they can burn stably at high altitudes and low temperatures, are less volatile or prone to solidification, thereby enhancing flight safety and efficiency. Large passenger aircraft such as the Boeing 747 rely on this type of fuel for long-haul flights. Small aircraft like the Cessna 172 commonly use aviation gasoline (similar to automotive gasoline but containing lead) for piston engines. Diesel-powered aircraft are rare because diesel may solidify at high altitudes and requires complex maintenance. From a technical perspective, fuel selection depends on engine type and operating conditions; jet fuel has a freezing point as low as -40°C, making it suitable for transoceanic flights, whereas gasoline poses higher risks in low temperatures. Modern aviation is also advancing alternative fuels like bio-kerosene to reduce emissions.

[EzraFitz]

Tracing the history of aviation, aircraft fuel began with early gasoline. The Wright brothers' first flight relied on a gasoline engine, and World War II fighters also widely used gasoline. With the advent of jet engines, kerosene-based fuels like jet fuel gradually became dominant due to their higher efficiency and safety. Jet fuel avoids the flammability issues of gasoline and the low-temperature solidification problems of diesel, ensuring reliability at high altitudes. Diesel has been tested in some modern small aircraft but has not gained popularity, partly due to technical and cost barriers. Today, fuel design incorporates a century of accumulated experience, from performance optimization to safety standards, driving the progress of the aviation industry. Under environmental pressure, the aviation industry is exploring biofuels or synthetic fuels to replace traditional fossil fuels.

[SanEmerson]

I've flown small Cessna aircraft for many years, and most of these piston-engine models burn aviation gasoline, such as 100LL, which contains lead to protect against engine wear. Commercial large aircraft don't use gasoline or diesel; they rely on jet fuel, which has high energy density and low evaporation. Diesel-engine aircraft are rare, and I've found during maintenance that they are prone to freezing issues. From a flight perspective, piston engines are simple, inexpensive, and suitable for short-distance flights, where gasoline works fine. Jet engines, powered by kerosene-based fuel, are more economical and efficient, handling long-distance tasks with ease. At airports, it's crucial to strictly distinguish fuel types during refueling, as using the wrong type can cause engine problems. Occasionally, when operating agricultural aircraft, you might encounter diesel-modified versions, but they are not very common.

[JackDella]

Aircraft fuel choice significantly impacts the environment; the mainstream option is jet fuel, a kerosene-based product whose combustion releases substantial CO2 and pollutants. Diesel or gasoline does not dominate modern aviation. Small piston aircraft using gasoline emit less but represent a minor share. Although diesel aircraft are more energy-efficient, their limited adoption results in an overall high carbon footprint. Climate change is driving research into bio-jet fuel alternatives, such as algae-derived extracts, which can reduce emissions by 30%. Improper fuel handling may also contaminate water sources. From a safety perspective, jet fuel's low freezing point minimizes high-altitude accidents, whereas gasoline's high volatility poses greater risks. Optimizing fuel management is a crucial step toward aviation sustainability.

[Erica]

During routine aircraft maintenance, I frequently handle jet fuel and aviation gasoline. Large jet aircraft use Jet-A fuel, which has stringent storage requirements such as filtration cleanliness and temperature control to ensure it remains free of impurities. Gasoline is used for general aviation in small aircraft and must contain lead for anti-corrosion, but it degrades easily and requires frequent replacement. Diesel has been trialed in some new designs like light transport aircraft but is difficult to promote due to its tendency to gel at low temperatures, requiring special systems. Fuel compatibility is a key focus; jet fuel remains stable at high altitudes without freezing, extending engine life. Safety measures include leak detection and fire prevention. Economically, jet fuel is highly efficient and fuel-saving, supporting large-scale commercial operations with lower maintenance costs compared to gasoline or diesel variants.