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If an airplane will sit unused for a while, why is it good practice to fill the fuel tanks?

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  1. To improve engine cooling on the next flight
  2. To recalibrate the fuel gauges
  3. To prevent water condensation in the tanks

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References

  1. Airplane Flying Handbook FAA-H-8083-3C, Chapter 2 www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/airplane_handbook/03_afh_ch2.pdf Checked 2026-10-09.

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