Aircraft systems and instrumentsQuestion 651 of 934

How should a pilot check the amount of fuel before flight?

  1. Read the fuel gauges and trust the indication
  2. Use the fuel flow indication from the last flight
  3. Read the oil quantity and the fuel flow gauge
  4. Look at the level in each tank, not only the gauge
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Correct answer: Look at the level in each tank, not only the gauge

The pilot should not depend solely on the accuracy of the fuel quantity gauges.

Source: Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 7: Aircraft Systems — Fuel Systems — Fuel Gauges, page 186

Practice aircraft systems and instruments

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026