General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) Practice Exam

What weight is automatically set by the fuel jettison system when armed?

1. Maximum takeoff weight

2. Maximum landing weight

3. Minimum operational weight

4. Standard fuel capacity

The correct answer is: Maximum landing weight

The fuel jettison system is designed to ensure that an aircraft can reach a safe landing weight by appropriately managing its fuel load during flight. When this system is armed, it automatically sets a target weight that reflects the maximum landing weight. This is crucial for maintaining the aircraft's structural integrity and ensuring that it complies with safety regulations during landing. By setting this parameter, pilots are provided with the means to safely dispose of excess fuel that may have been onboard due to various operational requirements, such as delays or changes in flight plans. This capability to jettison fuel is particularly important in situations where the aircraft may need to return to an airport shortly after takeoff, ensuring that it can land safely without exceeding its maximum landing weight limits. The other weight considerations, such as maximum takeoff weight or minimum operational weight, do not specifically align with the operational need that the fuel jettison system addresses. The maximum takeoff weight is relevant when departing, but the focus of fuel jettisoning is to comply with landing safety regulations, making the maximum landing weight the correct parameter when the system is armed.