Definition
An electrically powered pump that delivers fuel from the tanks to the engine, used as a backup or supplement to the engine-driven fuel pump. It is typically switched on by the pilot for takeoff, landing, low-altitude operations, fuel tank changes, and any time the engine-driven pump fails or its operation is in doubt.
Plain English
A second fuel pump that runs on electricity instead of being driven by the engine. The pilot turns it on with a switch when extra reliability is needed, or when the main engine-driven pump stops working.
Context Anchor
In this chapter, a pilot may see electric fuel pump in an engine-failure or restart checklist during a simulated emergency approach.
Why Pilots Care
Provides reliable fuel flow during power loss or priming, enabling engine restarts and continued operation when the mechanical pump cannot maintain pressure.
Intuition Check
Do not assume the electric fuel pump is a separate fuel supply or a guaranteed engine fix. It only helps move the fuel already available in the aircraft’s fuel system.
Example Sentence 1
Before takeoff, the pilot turned on the electric fuel pump as required by the checklist.
Example Sentence 2
Before attempting an engine restart in flight, the checklist called for turning on the electric fuel pump to ensure positive fuel flow.