What is the main function of a fuel pump in an aircraft?

The main function of a fuel pump in an aircraft is to transfer fuel from the tank to the engine. This is a critical role within the fuel system, as the engine requires a consistent and adequate flow of fuel to operate properly. The fuel pump ensures that fuel is delivered under pressure to the engine, overcoming the effects of gravity and any other restrictions that might exist in the fuel delivery system.

By facilitating this transfer, the fuel pump helps maintain the correct fuel-air mixture needed for combustion in the engine, thereby directly influencing engine performance and efficiency. Moreover, fuel pumps are designed to work under various operating conditions and pressures, ensuring reliable fuel delivery even during different phases of flight, such as takeoff, cruising, and landing.

In contrast, filtering fuel impurities, monitoring fuel levels, and cooling engine components are important functions within the overall fuel and engine systems but do not represent the primary role of the fuel pump itself. Each of these functions contributes to the safe and efficient operation of the aircraft, but the central duty of the fuel pump is to ensure the proper supply of fuel to the engine.