Definition
Small printed labels installed in the cockpit, near the fuel selector or on the instrument panel, that state the approved fuel grade(s) for the aircraft, total and usable fuel quantities for each tank, and any operating limitations or restrictions on fuel selector positions. Fuel placards are required by the aircraft's type certificate and must be present, legible, and unmodified for the aircraft to be legally airworthy.
Plain English
Labels inside the cockpit that tell the pilot what fuel the aircraft uses, how much each tank holds, and any rules about which tank to use when.
Context Anchor
Seen near fuel filler openings, fuel selectors, fuel gauges, and other fuel-system controls in or on the aircraft.
Derivation
From the French placard, meaning a notice or sign posted publicly. In aviation, it carries the same idea: a posted notice the pilot is expected to read and follow.
Why Pilots Care
Following the placards prevents use of incorrect fuel or improper tank selection that could cause engine stoppage or damage.
Intuition Check
Do not treat a fuel placard as a casual sticker. In an aircraft, a fuel placard is operating information the pilot is expected to follow.
Example Sentence 1
During preflight, she checked the fuel placards to confirm the aircraft was approved for 100LL.
Example Sentence 2
During the preflight the student verified the fuel selector matched the positions shown on the nearby placard.