Definition
A manual fuel quantity measuring device fitted to the underside of an aircraft fuel tank, consisting of a hollow calibrated rod that is unlocked and slowly lowered out of the tank until fuel begins to drip from its open end. The point at which dripping starts indicates the fuel level, which is then read from graduations marked on the rod. Drip-stick gauges are used as an independent backup to the cockpit fuel quantity indicating system, particularly on large transport aircraft, and are typically read during preflight when the aircraft is on level ground.
Plain English
A measuring stick built into the bottom of a fuel tank. You unlock it, slide it down, and when fuel starts dripping out the bottom you read the markings on the stick to see how much fuel is in the tank. It's a manual backup to the cockpit fuel gauges.
Context Anchor
Used during preflight fuel checks, especially on aircraft where fuel quantity is verified at the tank instead of relying only on the cockpit fuel gauge.
Derivation
Named for how it works: the stick is lowered until fuel drips out, marking the level. Plain mechanical description, not a technical term of art.
Why Pilots Care
Gives a reliable non-electrical backup reading of fuel quantity for accurate preflight planning and safety.
Analogy
It is similar to checking oil with a dipstick, except the drip-stick is lowered from the tank and the first drip tells you where the fuel level is.
Intuition Check
A drip-stick fuel gauge is not a sign that the aircraft is leaking fuel. The controlled drip is part of how the gauge shows the fuel level.
Example Sentence 1
After refueling, the engineer used the drip-stick fuel gauge to confirm the tank quantities matched the cockpit indications.
Example Sentence 2
After refueling the trainer, the instructor checked both drip-stick fuel gauges before the next lesson.