What is the total unusable fuel capacity for the aircraft?

The total unusable fuel capacity for the Cessna 152 is indeed 1.5 gallons. This number is significant for pilots because it represents the amount of fuel that cannot be used during flight operations. Understanding unusable fuel capacity is critical for flight planning as it impacts the overall range and operational limits of the aircraft.

In practical terms, any fuel that is considered “unusable” will not be available for the engine to draw from and remains in the tanks for various reasons, such as sump areas or complexities of the fuel system design. Therefore, when calculating takeoff weight, fuel burn, and endurance, pilots must account for this unusable fuel to avoid unintentional overestimation of available fuel.

Knowing the unusable fuel capacity helps pilots make informed decisions regarding fuel loading and ensuring adequate fuel reserves, thereby enhancing safety during flight operations.