FUEL QUANTITY INDICATING SYSTEMS

FAR Part 91 requires a fuel gauge indicating the quantity of fuel in each tank. These gauges, or systems, may be as
simple as a wire attached to a cork float. The amount of wire protruding from the cap indicates the amount of fuel in
the tank.

MECHANICAL INDICATORS
Other direct-reading fuel quantity indicators move a pointer across the dial by magnetic coupling. A float rides on
the top of the fuel which, through a bevel gear, rotates a horseshoe-shaped permanent magnet inside the indicator
housing. A pointer attached to a small permanent magnet and mounted on a pivot is separated from the horseshoe
magnet by an aluminum alloy diaphragm. The permanent magnet is coupled to the horseshoe magnet by the
magnetic fields. The pointer will move around the dial to indicate the level of fuel in the tank.

DIRECT CURRENT ELECTRICAL INDICATORS

In most cases, a direct connection between the float and the indicator is not possible. A DC electrical indicator
solves this problem. It converts mechanical motion of the float into a varying direct current. This current then drives
a mechanical indicator or is converted to a digital readout.

CAPACITANCE FUEL QUANTITY SYSTEMS

Many modern aircraft use a capacitance-type fuel quantity measuring system that factors in fuel density, as well as
volume.
This is an electronic system that measures the capacitance of the probe, or probes, that serve as the tank sender units.
A capacitor is a device that can store an electrical charge.
The probes in a capacitance fuel quantity indicating system consist of two concentric metal tubes that serve as the
plates of the capacitor
These probes extend from the top to the bottom of the tank. When the tank is empty, the plates are separated by air
that has a dielectric constant of one. When the tank is full, the dielectric is fuel that has a constant of approximately
two.
The probes also take into account the density of the fuel.
While the difference is negligible on small airplanes powered by avgas, it can be significant on large airplanes
powered by kerosene. Fuel density can change due to variations in temperature or due to substitution of a different
grade of jet fuel. The capacitive probes sense this because denser fuel has a higher dielectric constant, which
increases the measured fuel quantity at a given volume.
Since a capacitive fuel sensor measures the mass of the fuel, some compensation is required if the desired indication
is to be in gallons. To accomplish this, a compensator is built into the bottom of one of the tank units.
To provide accurate indications, the compensator should be calibrated for the grade of fuel normally used in the
aircraft.

Capacitive fuel systems can be tailored for tanks of all sizes and shapes. Another advantage is that all the probes in
the aircraft can be connected so the system that integrates their output to show the total amount of fuel on board
Troubleshooting a capacitance-type fuel-quantity indicating system is quite simple. Following the appropriate
instructions, connect a test unit into the system.
The testing unit may also provide a technician with the capability to calibrate the system following troubleshooting
and/or repairs.