Definition
A rugged, flat-sided metal or heavy plastic container, typically holding about five gallons (roughly 20 liters), used to carry and transfer fuel by hand. In aviation, it is commonly used to transport avgas or jet fuel to aircraft parked away from a fuel truck or fuel pump, especially at remote strips, backcountry fields, or during ferry operations.
Plain English
A tough, portable fuel can — usually about five gallons — used to carry fuel by hand to an aircraft when there is no fuel pump or truck available.
Context Anchor
You may hear this term during ramp operations, remote flying, preflight planning, or any situation where fuel is carried by hand instead of delivered from a normal fueling source.
Derivation
The name comes from World War II. British and American troops copied a sturdy German fuel container they encountered in the North African campaign. 'Jerry' was wartime slang for 'German,' so the container became known as the 'Jerry can.' The original German design was strong, stackable, and didn't leak — qualities that made it the standard worldwide and gave the name staying power.
Why Pilots Care
Hand-fueling from a jerry can introduces real risks: contamination, water in the fuel, static discharge, spills, and fueling the wrong grade. Pilots flying into remote strips need to know how to inspect, ground, and pour fuel safely, and to sump thoroughly afterward.
Intuition Check
A Jerry Can is not named for a person using it. It means a specific style of rugged portable container, most often used for fuel or water.
Example Sentence 1
Because the strip had no fuel pump, the pilot topped off the tanks from two jerry cans he had carried in the baggage compartment.
Example Sentence 2
After refueling, the mechanic tightly sealed the jerry can and stored it upright to avoid any fuel spillage.