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If an aircraft is loaded 110 pounds over maximum gross weight, how much fuel should be drained to bring it within limits?

  1. 15 gallons

  2. 18.4 gallons

  3. 20 gallons

  4. 5 gallons

The correct answer is: 18.4 gallons

To determine how much fuel needs to be drained to bring the aircraft within the maximum gross weight limit, it's essential to understand the weight of aviation fuel. Typically, aviation gasoline weighs approximately 6 pounds per gallon. If the aircraft is 110 pounds over the maximum gross weight, you can calculate the required amount of fuel to drain by dividing the excess weight by the weight of fuel per gallon: 110 pounds / 6 pounds per gallon = approximately 18.33 gallons. Rounding to a practical measurement used in aviation, this translates to about 18.4 gallons. Therefore, to reduce the aircraft's weight back within the prescribed limits, it is necessary to drain approximately 18.4 gallons of fuel. This methodical approach ensures compliance with safety regulations regarding aircraft loading and effective performance, facilitating safe operations.