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Minimum fuel from METO horsepower

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 16 of 25 on Weight and Balance. ACS element AM.I.C.K6 · difficulty: applied. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA forward adverse-loaded CG check is being performed on a piston-engine airplane whose engine has a maximum except takeoff (METO) rating of 300 hp. What minimum fuel weight should be accounted for?

  1. A300 lb, one pound per horsepower
  2. B150 lb
  3. C75 lb, or 12.5 gallons
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. 150 lb

  • A — incorrect One pound per horsepower is the hourly burn rate the rule is based on; minimum fuel covers only 30 minutes, so the METO hp is divided by 2.
  • B — correct Minimum fuel in pounds is found by dividing the METO horsepower by 2: 300 / 2 = 150 lb.
  • C — incorrect This divides the METO horsepower by 4. The handbook's rule is METO hp divided by 2.

BACKGROUND

In a forward adverse-loaded CG check, useful load behind the forward limit is left empty, but a fuel tank behind that limit cannot be left empty because the aircraft cannot fly without fuel. The amount accounted for is called minimum fuel, defined as the fuel needed for 30 minutes of flight at cruise power and no more than the quantity for one half hour at rated maximum continuous power. For piston engines this is 1/12 gallon per METO horsepower, and since Avgas weighs 6 lb/gal the simpler method is to divide the METO hp by 2 to get pounds. For turbine engines, minimum fuel is not based on horsepower and must be supplied by the manufacturer.

STUDY TIP

Memorize METO hp divided by 2 equals minimum fuel in pounds, and remember it does not apply to turbine aircraft.

KEY POINTS

  • Minimum fuel is fuel for 30 minutes at cruise power.
  • Piston engines: METO hp / 2 = minimum fuel in pounds.
  • Turbine minimum fuel comes from the manufacturer.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch06 "Minimum Fuel"
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SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.