Both Jet A and Jet A-1 are mixtures of hydrocarbons, and are similar to diesel or kerosene. They are produced from crude oil and refined to meet specific standards. Jet fuel is used in aircraft because it is lightweight, has a high energy density, and burns cleanly. It is also less flammable than other fuels, such as gasoline.
Jet fuel is typically a clear or straw-coloured liquid, with a density of around 0.8 kg/L. It has a flash point of around 38°C, and a self-ignition temperature of around 210°C.
Jet fuel is used by all types of aircraft, including commercial airliners, military aircraft, and private planes. However, some small aircraft, such as Cessna 172s, use gasoline instead.
