Do they have specific spots where they get rid of excess fuel prior to landing or can they just dump it anywhere? How much are they allowed to get rid of and what effect does it have on the environment? I would imagine that since Jet-A fuel is highly flammable they cannot dispense it over populated areas.
2007-10-01 17:17:59 · 11 answers · asked by d0nkeypunch4u 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Aircraft
Patrick is the only on right so far.
The fuel will vaporize before it hits the surface. But it is preferred over water. None the less if the situation is critical ( such as a fire on board and they have just took off, ( MTOW= really heavy and they need to loose 150,000lbs to be able to land they'd dump it anywhere.
Circumstances are an immediate return to the airport is necessary but the aircraft cannot land because it's over it's Max landing weight.(MLW)
Dumping the fuel allows the aircraft to get lighter.
A LOT of aircraft out there don't have the ability to dump fuel. For the capability to be required by the FAA the Maximum Takeoff weight and Maximum landing weight must have a difference greater then 105%.
What effect does a flaming wreck have on the enviorment? And if a Medical situation arises I rather save a life than worry bout the earth. After all the impact is minimal.
EDIT: tronary aircraft still dump fuel. The circling aroung jig was because of aircraft such as the 737 and A320 that dont have that 105% diffrence. So they dont have fuel dumping ablity.
2007-10-01 17:38:48 · answer #1 · answered by Charles 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It doesn't matter as Jet Fuel is chemically lighter than a water atom. It would evaporate before it hit the ground. Thus, the logical conclusion would be for the jetliner to dump the fuel in the air - should it have the capability to do so.
2007-10-02 17:53:46 · answer #2 · answered by HA HA HEH HEH 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They don't dump their fuel except in an emergency. Fuel is expensive, so they don't even load a full tank if they aren't flying that far. They only load the minimum they need, plus a certain reserve. So a commercial flight will not often have excess fuel, and if they do, they just keep it in the tank and use it for the next flight.
2007-10-03 14:57:54 · answer #3 · answered by rohak1212 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Considering that fuel dumping is regarded as an emergency measure,one should assume that depending on the actual circumstances requiring such a procedure,the most probable place to do this would be a location that would'nt endanger other aircraft on the same flightpath.
2007-10-02 00:48:59 · answer #4 · answered by brian m 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The only time they dump fuel is in case of an emergency. They also only dump enough to get to a specific weight. It dispurses into a fine mist as it is released.
2007-10-02 00:28:04 · answer #5 · answered by Otto 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Acft dispense only in an emergency. And jet-a fuel is not flammable, its combustable.
2007-10-02 14:03:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They will dump it in a pre-agreed location if time allows however if the emergency warrants it they will dump it any where
2007-10-03 12:03:47 · answer #7 · answered by andy b 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is ancient history. Aircraft are not allowed to "dump" fuel at all. If they must lighten the aircraft they must burn off the fuel by flying in circles till it's gone
2007-10-02 00:29:35 · answer #8 · answered by tronary 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
It never really goes anywhere. It evaporates before it even reaches the ground.
2007-10-02 04:21:01 · answer #9 · answered by Mikaela D 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The ocean is the first choice...unfortunately.
Second is open land without a high population.
Thirdly...well, thats too late!
2007-10-02 00:23:04 · answer #10 · answered by River 2 · 0⤊ 4⤋