Definition
A method of fueling an aircraft in which a measured quantity of fuel is delivered from the fuel truck or pump as a single pre-set amount, rather than being filled to a visual level or to the tank's capacity. The pilot or line crew specifies the gallons or pounds wanted, and the delivery system shuts off automatically when that amount has been pumped.
Plain English
Instead of filling the tanks until they are full, the fueler pumps a specific amount you ask for, and the pump stops on its own when that amount has been delivered.
Context Anchor
Seen in cargo, air-taxi, and unmanned aircraft discussions where the flight’s purpose is delivering items rather than carrying passengers.
Why Pilots Care
Determines aircraft type, loading requirements, and flight planning for pilots working in freight or contract cargo roles.
Intuition Check
Do not assume package delivery is just an ordinary courier errand. In aviation, it can be a regulated flight operation, especially when done for payment or as a business.
Example Sentence 1
He requested a package delivery of 40 gallons so the aircraft would stay under its maximum takeoff weight.
Example Sentence 2
Package delivery contracts often require quick turnarounds and strict weight-and-balance checks before each flight.