Mercedes Mullins
The Boeing 747 is one of the largest and fastest commercial jets in the world. It burns a lot of fuel, approximately 1 gallon (about 4 litres) every second. This equates to 36,000 gallons over a 10-hour flight. However, the exact amount of fuel burned during taxiing is unclear. Some sources suggest that a 747 can burn 4,400kg of fuel during taxiing, while others mention that taxiing for 2 minutes at idle power with 4 engines running is equivalent to burning fuel for 1 minute at the end of the cruise.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Fuel consumption during taxiing | 22 minutes of cruise fuel flow = 4400 kg |
| Fuel consumption during taxiing | 2 minutes at idle power (with 4 engines) = 1 minute of fuel at the end of the cruise in the air |
| Fuel consumption during taxiing | 45 minutes with 4 engines running = 22 minutes of end-of-cruise fuel flow |
| Fuel capacity | 48,400 gallons |
| Fuel capacity | 63,034 gallons |
| Fuel capacity | 63,000 gallons |
| Fuel burn rate | 3,500–3,800 gallons of fuel per hour at cruising speed |
| Fuel burn rate | 1 gallon of fuel per second |
| Fuel burn rate | 18,000 gallons of fuel in a 5-hour flight |
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What You'll Learn
- A Boeing 747 burns 1 gallon of fuel every second
- Fuel consumption depends on aircraft weight, payload, engine efficiency, flight path, and weather
- Strict regulatory procedures are in place to ensure aircraft have enough fuel
- Jet A-1 fuel is kerosene-based and highly combustible
- The 747 is more fuel-efficient per person than a car
A Boeing 747 burns 1 gallon of fuel every second
A Boeing 747 is a large commercial jet that can carry up to 568 passengers. It burns approximately 1 gallon of fuel every second, which equates to 36,000 gallons over a 10-hour flight. This amounts to 5 gallons of fuel per mile or 12 litres of fuel per kilometre.
While this may seem like a poor miles-per-gallon rating, when considered per person, the fuel efficiency improves significantly. A 747 can fly 500 people 1 mile using 5 gallons of fuel, resulting in a per-person fuel consumption of 0.01 gallons per mile. This translates to 100 miles per gallon per person.
The high fuel consumption of the 747 is facilitated by its large fuel capacity, with some variants carrying up to 63,000 gallons of fuel. This fuel weighs approximately 400,000 lbs, nearly as much as the empty plane itself. The fuel is primarily stored in the aircraft's wings, with select 747s configured to store additional fuel in the horizontal stabilizer at the tail.
The exact fuel burn rate of a 747 depends on various factors such as passenger capacity, engine type, aircraft weight, payload, engine efficiency, flight path, and weather conditions. During taxiing, when the aircraft moves on the ground, the amount of fuel burned depends on the duration and the number of engines running.
With sustainability and climate change concerns, the high fuel consumption of aircraft like the 747 has come under scrutiny, leading to the development of more fuel-efficient aircraft with fewer engines, such as the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777.
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Fuel consumption depends on aircraft weight, payload, engine efficiency, flight path, and weather
Fuel consumption in aircraft is a measure of the transport energy efficiency of the aircraft. Several factors influence the amount of fuel consumed by an aircraft such as the 747, including its weight, payload, engine efficiency, flight path, and weather conditions.
Aircraft Weight
The weight of an aircraft is a critical factor in fuel consumption. A heavier aircraft requires more fuel to generate the necessary lift and overcome aerodynamic drag. Conversely, reducing the weight of the aircraft through the use of lightweight materials, such as titanium or carbon fiber, can lead to significant fuel savings. For each 1% reduction in weight, there is a corresponding 0.75% reduction in fuel consumption. This weight reduction not only reduces the amount of fuel needed but also allows for the use of smaller, lighter engines, further improving fuel efficiency.
Payload
The payload of an aircraft, which includes cargo and passenger load, also affects fuel consumption. A heavier payload requires more fuel to lift and propel the aircraft. Therefore, airlines consider the payload fraction, which is the ratio of payload weight to the maximum take-off weight, when determining fuel requirements. Modern twin-aisle aircraft typically have a payload fraction of 18.4% to 20.8% of their maximum take-off weight, while single-aisle airliners have a higher fraction, ranging from 24.9% to 27.7%.
Engine Efficiency
Engine efficiency plays a significant role in fuel consumption. Shaft engines, such as piston engines or turboprops, have efficiency that is inversely proportional to their brake-specific fuel consumption. Jet engines, on the other hand, are more efficient at higher airspeeds and have efficiency determined by dividing airspeed by thrust-specific fuel consumption and the specific energy of the fuel. New technologies, such as higher pressure ratios, geared turbofans, and hybrid electric propulsion, can further reduce engine fuel consumption.
Flight Path
The flight path, including altitude and airspeed, also influences fuel consumption. Aircraft typically achieve better fuel economy at higher altitudes, where air density is lower, resulting in reduced drag. Additionally, cruising at optimal airspeeds can maximize endurance and range. However, longer routes can adversely affect efficiency, as they require more fuel to cover greater distances.
Weather
Weather conditions, particularly air temperature, can impact fuel consumption. In cold weather, denser air generates more lift and thrust, allowing aircraft to take off with shorter runways. However, in hot weather, the less dense air results in reduced thrust and lower fuel efficiency, as more fuel is burned to generate the required thrust.
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Strict regulatory procedures are in place to ensure aircraft have enough fuel
A Boeing 747 is a fuel-guzzling aircraft, burning up to one gallon of jet fuel every second. This equates to 18,000 gallons of fuel for a five-hour flight. The amount of fuel needed for a flight depends on various factors, such as the aircraft's weight, payload, engine efficiency, flight path, and weather conditions.
To ensure aircraft have sufficient fuel, strict regulatory procedures are in place. These procedures are essential given the vast amounts of fuel involved and the safety risks associated with running out of fuel during flight. While specific regulations may vary across jurisdictions, there are broadly similar standards worldwide. For instance, under FAA and EASA regulations, the captain of an aircraft is responsible for ensuring adequate fuel levels before takeoff.
These regulations typically include requirements for several categories of fuel:
- Taxi fuel: This is the fuel needed for the aircraft to move on the ground, such as during taxiing to and from the runway.
- Trip fuel: This is the primary fuel used for the actual flight between the origin and destination airfields.
- Contingency fuel: Contingency fuel is required to be at least 5% above the total fuel needed for the trip. It serves as a buffer to account for potential delays or unexpected events.
- Alternate fuel: This fuel is required when diverting to an alternate airport due to missed landings or other unforeseen circumstances. It includes the fuel needed for a missed approach, climbing to a cruising altitude, and cruising to the alternate aerodrome.
- Final reserve fuel: This is the last resort fuel that ensures the aircraft can reach its destination or an alternate airport in an emergency.
- Additional and extra fuel: These categories account for potential delays, unexpected headwinds, diversions due to bad weather, and other unforeseen circumstances.
The specific amounts and types of fuel required for each category are outlined in the airline's fuel policy, which is based on local air regulations. This policy is typically detailed in the airline's operations manual and takes into account factors such as aircraft age, performance, fuel consumption data, and expected meteorological conditions.
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Jet A-1 fuel is kerosene-based and highly combustible
A Boeing 747 burns approximately one gallon of fuel per second, which equates to 18,000 gallons of fuel over a 5-hour flight. This works out to be about 36,000 gallons for a 10-hour flight. The 747 can carry a maximum of around 63,000 gallons of fuel, which weighs about 400,000 lbs, almost as much as the empty plane itself.
Jet A-1 fuel is a kerosene-based, highly combustible fuel used in turbine engine aircraft. It is a standardized international specification fuel, used in most parts of the world except the United States, where Jet A is primarily used. Jet A-1 has a freezing point of -47°C or below, and usually contains a static dissipator additive. It also has a flashpoint higher than 38°C (100°F) and an auto-ignition temperature of 210°C (410°F). The flashpoint of kerosene is higher than that of gasoline, which is why it is used for large planes. Kerosene-based fuels are highly combustible and provide a higher level of power than gasoline.
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The 747 is more fuel-efficient per person than a car
The Boeing 747 is a fuel-guzzling aircraft, burning up to one gallon of fuel every second. During a 5-hour flight, it can burn 18,000 gallons of fuel, and over a 10-hour flight, this can total 36,000 gallons. The 747 can carry approximately 568 passengers, and when this is taken into account, the plane is actually burning 0.01 gallons per person per mile travelled. This equates to 100 miles per gallon per person.
To put this into perspective, a car typically achieves 25 miles per gallon. A journey from New York to Los Angeles (approximately 2,797 miles) would require 112 gallons of fuel for a car with two passengers, which equates to 56 gallons per person. Therefore, the 747 is four times more fuel-efficient per person than a car on this journey.
The 747's impressive fuel efficiency per person is further demonstrated when comparing it to a car on a per-mile basis. The 747 achieves 100 miles per gallon per person, whereas a car with two passengers travelling from New York to Los Angeles would achieve only 10.34 miles per gallon per person (2,797 miles/2 passengers/112 gallons).
While the 747 is extremely fuel-efficient per person, it is important to consider the overall fuel consumption and environmental impact. The 747 burns approximately 5 gallons of fuel per mile, resulting in significant fuel costs and carbon emissions. With sustainability and climate change becoming increasingly important, the high fuel consumption of aircraft has gained more attention.
Additionally, the 747's fuel efficiency is not solely due to its passenger capacity. The aircraft's engines and design also contribute to its efficiency. The 747's four turbofan engines provide impressive cruising speeds of up to 580 mph, allowing it to cover a mile every 6.2 seconds. This speed, coupled with its passenger capacity, enhances its fuel efficiency per person.
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Frequently asked questions
A 747 burns approximately 1 gallon of fuel every second, or 3,500 to 3,800 gallons per hour. However, the exact amount of fuel burned during taxiing depends on various factors such as the weight of the aircraft, the number of engines in use, and the duration of taxiing.
Modern twin-engine aircraft, such as the Airbus A350, are significantly more fuel-efficient than the 747, which is a quadjet. The Airbus A380, for example, consumes 4,600 gallons of fuel per hour, while the 747 burns 3,500 to 3,800 gallons per hour.
The fuel capacity of a 747 varies depending on the variant. Some 747s can carry approximately 48,400 gallons of fuel, while others can hold up to 63,000 gallons. The fuel is typically stored in the aircraft's wings, and in some cases, additional fuel is stored in the horizontal stabilizer at the tail.
