The Citabria is a light, single-engine aircraft designed for aerobatics, as well as general flying. Like any other aircraft, the Citabria relies on a fuel system to power its engine and keep it flying. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the fuel system of a Citabria and how it works.
Fuel Tanks
The Citabria has two fuel tanks, one in each wing, with a total capacity of 26 US gallons (98 liters). Each tank is made of aluminum and has a fuel cap that is lockable to prevent fuel theft. The tanks are vented to prevent pressure buildup during flight, and they have a fuel gauge that shows the pilot the amount of fuel remaining in each tank.
Fuel Lines
The fuel tanks are connected to the engine by a series of fuel lines. These lines are made of aluminum tubing and are designed to be flexible to allow for engine movement during flight. The fuel lines are routed through the wings and fuselage of the aircraft and are protected from damage by a series of clamps and protective sleeves.
Fuel Selector Valve: The Citabria has a fuel selector valve that allows the pilot to choose which fuel tank to draw fuel from during flight. The fuel selector valve is typically located on the aircraft’s instrument panel and has three positions: left tank, right tank, and both tanks. The pilot can select the appropriate fuel tank based on the aircraft’s weight distribution, flight conditions, and other factors.
Fuel Pump: The Citabria has an engine-driven fuel pump that is located on the engine itself. The fuel pump is responsible for delivering fuel from the fuel tanks to the engine. The fuel pump is driven by the engine’s crankshaft and is designed to provide a constant flow of fuel to the engine regardless of the aircraft’s attitude or altitude.
Fuel Filter: Before the fuel reaches the engine, it passes through a fuel filter. The fuel filter is located between the fuel pump and the carburetor and is designed to remove any contaminants or debris from the fuel before it reaches the engine. The fuel filter is replaceable and is typically changed during routine maintenance.
Carburetor: The Citabria is equipped with a single-barrel carburetor that is responsible for mixing air and fuel before it enters the engine. The carburetor is located on the engine’s intake manifold and is designed to provide a precise mixture of air and fuel to the engine.
In conclusion, the fuel system of a Citabria is a critical component of the aircraft that ensures the engine receives a steady supply of fuel during flight. The fuel system is designed to be reliable, durable, and easy to maintain.
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