Gate 41How much fuel does a flight carry?
Why is a truck connected to the plane?
Fuel arrives from a truck or an underground hydrant system. The ground crew bond the truck to the aircraft with a cable so static electricity can't build up, and fuel goes in through a port under the wing.
The amount comes from the flight plan: fuel for the trip, plus contingency for the unexpected, plus fuel to reach an alternate airport, plus a final reserve (commonly 30 minutes of holding). More fuel means more weight, so the crew carry what is needed, with a margin.
A little deeper
Fuelling with passengers on board is allowed at many airlines under strict procedures. The captain has the final say on the fuel loaded.
The fuel load is checked against the plan by the crew and technician, and fuel quantity is shown in the cockpit.
See it in Gate 41, in the gate
Related questions
People involved
- Elena PetrovaFlight dispatcher / operations controller
- Sam OkoyeGround handler (ramp agent)
- Captain Imani OkaforCaptain (pilot in command)