Which statement about the two fuel pumps in small aircraft is true?

Which statement about the two fuel pumps in small aircraft is true?

• A. Engine-driven pump mounted on the engine and electric boost pump in the fuel system
• B. Engine-driven pump mounted in the cockpit
• C. There are no electric pumps in small aircraft
• D. Pumps used only during maintenance

Answer: (A)

In small aircraft, you typically rely on two fuel pumps to ensure reliable delivery: a primary engine-driven pump mounted on the engine and an electric boost pump in the fuel system. The engine-driven pump provides continuous fuel pressure while the engine is running, powered by the engine’s accessory drive. The electric boost pump serves as a backup and as a helper during critical moments—such as starting, priming, or when the engine-driven pump momentarily loses pressure—by supplying sufficient fuel pressure from the tanks. That’s why the statement describing the setup as an engine-driven pump mounted on the engine and an electric boost pump in the fuel system is correct. The idea that the engine-driven pump would be in the cockpit is incorrect because it’s part of the engine’s fuel system, not located in the cockpit. It’s not true that small aircraft lack electric pumps; many do use an electric boost pump for redundancy and easier starting. And pumps aren’t reserved only for maintenance: they’re used during normal operation to ensure steady fuel flow and system reliability.

In small aircraft, you typically rely on two fuel pumps to ensure reliable delivery: a primary engine-driven pump mounted on the engine and an electric boost pump in the fuel system. The engine-driven pump provides continuous fuel pressure while the engine is running, powered by the engine’s accessory drive. The electric boost pump serves as a backup and as a helper during critical moments—such as starting, priming, or when the engine-driven pump momentarily loses pressure—by supplying sufficient fuel pressure from the tanks.

That’s why the statement describing the setup as an engine-driven pump mounted on the engine and an electric boost pump in the fuel system is correct. The idea that the engine-driven pump would be in the cockpit is incorrect because it’s part of the engine’s fuel system, not located in the cockpit. It’s not true that small aircraft lack electric pumps; many do use an electric boost pump for redundancy and easier starting. And pumps aren’t reserved only for maintenance: they’re used during normal operation to ensure steady fuel flow and system reliability.