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All about JET A-1 aviation fuel

What do you know about JET A-1 ?

 

JET A-1 is a kerosene-type fuel. It is compatible with most jet aircraft, both civil and military, helicopter turbine engines, turboprops and compression-ignition piston engines.  

It has a boiling point of 150°C-250°C, a flashpoint over 38.0ºC (100ºF) and a maximum melting point of -47.0ºC. 

This fuel is of sufficient quality to meet strict international standards, such as the latest issues to date of the British standard DEF STAN 91-091, the American standard ASTM D1655 and NATO’s F-35 specification.

 

JET A-1

 What is the difference between kerosene and aviation gasoline ?

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Aviation fuels fall into two categories: kerosene and aviation gasoline.  

Aviation gasoline is similar to motor gasoline. It consists of hydrocarbons and tetra-ethyl lead and has a high octane number. It is very popular for propeller aircraft.  

Like diesel, kerosene is a middle distillate. But it is lighter than diesel while remaining heavier than gasoline. It is the most widely used aviation fuel.  

It is the type of aircraft and its technical characteristics that will determine the aviation fuel you use. Because of the conditions in which they are used, these fuels both comply with particularly stringent international quality requirements

How can you identify JET A-1 at a service station ?

 

JET A-1 is marked in airport refueling facilities in white letters against a black background, preceded by two white vertical bars. Similarly, JET-A1 dispenser nozzles are painted black.  

This identification was designed to prevent any "misfuelling" with AVGAS. 

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Ongoing quality monitoring

TotalEnergies offers JET A-1 that complies with international standards and specifications, and is fully traceable from the refinery to the aircraft. In addition to this, TotalEnergies Aviation has added its own procedures and checkpoints to guarantee product quality throughout the logistics chain. 

TotalEnergies Aviation is also a founding member of the JIG (Joint Inspection Group) and helps to draft and update the specifications of Aviation fuels and Aviation operating standards on the many international committees responsible for this task.