How Do Planes Stay In the Air Without Gasoline?
The term 'gas' is often short for 'gasoline.' However, it's important to understand that planes do not require gasoline, or any kind of gas for that matter, to remain airborne. Planes use aviation fuels that are specifically designed for their engines, and these fuels are tailored to the type of engine each aircraft is equipped with.
Aviation Fuels Explained
Aviation fuel is a critical component of flight, and there are two primary types used today: aviation gasoline (AVGAS) and jet fuel, including Jet A, Jet A-1, and JP-8. The choice of fuel depends on the engine design. Piston-engine aircraft typically use AVGAS, which can be either leaded 100 octane or a non-ethanol version known as MOGAS (common regular unleaded gasoline). Jet-engined commercial aircraft, such as those used for long haul flights, often operate on kerosene-based jet fuels like Jet A, Jet A-1, or JP-8.
What Happens in Space?
When we talk about 'air,' we're referring to the oxygen we need to breathe, not the atmosphere that helps planes stay airborne. In the absence of air (oxygen), we would indeed be in space. While staying in the air, or maintaining flight, is not an issue for modern planes, human survival would be a significant concern.
Special Cases: Gliders and Hydrogen
Some aircraft, like sailplanes or gliders, can stay in the air without ‘gasoline’ because they do not rely on an onboard engine for propulsion once they are in flight. Instead, these gliders use atmospheric currents to maintain their flight. Motor gliders are a special category that can operate with an engine for takeoff and under certain conditions, but these are not classified as traditional airplanes. There are also hang gliders that can float in the air but require repeated takeovers to stay afloat for an extended period.
Commercial Aircraft and Fuel Supply
Commercial airliners, such as the Airbus A350 XWB Ultra-Long-Range, which can cover distances of over 11,000 miles, rely primarily on refined kerosene fuels. This type of fuel is specifically optimized for the high fuel efficiency and performance required in long-distance flights. Virtually all commercial aircraft operate with this type of fuel, representing the best technologies in the aviation industry.
Myth of Extended Gliding Without Power
While it's true that aircraft can glide after reaching a certain altitude and speed, it's not typically to allow them to remain airborne for an extended period under normal circumstances. Once the plane's engines fail, the air continues to flow over the wings, creating lift. However, this lift is short-lived due to drag, which degrades the plane's forward speed. Even gliders have a limited flight range and must eventually land to avoid a collision with the ground.
Conclusion
In summary, aviation fuel is not the same as gasoline. Modern airplanes are designed to use specialized fuels that are optimized for their engines. While there are exceptions like gliders that can stay airborne with minimal power, airplanes in commercial and general aviation depend on proper fuel supply to maintain flight.