Definition
A kerosene-based fuel designed for use in turbine engines (turbojet, turbofan, turboprop, and turboshaft). Common grades include Jet A and Jet A-1, which differ primarily in freezing point. Jet fuel has a higher flash point, lower volatility, and different combustion characteristics than aviation gasoline (avgas), and it is not interchangeable with avgas in piston engines.
Plain English
The fuel used by turbine-powered aircraft. It is a type of kerosene, not gasoline, and it cannot be used in piston engines that require avgas.
Context Anchor
Seen during preflight, fueling, fuel-truck selection, fuel-cap placard checks, and fuel system discussions.
Derivation
Named simply for the engines it powers — jet (turbine) engines. The term distinguishes it from aviation gasoline, which powers piston (reciprocating) engines.
Why Pilots Care
Using the wrong fuel type can cause engine damage or failure; turbine engines are designed only for jet fuel.
Intuition Check
Do not assume jet fuel means “fuel for any airplane.” Here it means a specific kerosene-type fuel for turbine engines, not the aviation gasoline used by many small training airplanes.
Example Sentence 1
Before signing the fuel ticket, the pilot confirmed the truck had delivered Jet A and not avgas.
Example Sentence 2
Preflight sampling confirmed the jet fuel was free of water before the crew boarded for the flight.