Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com - View Single Post - Do heavy planes really consume more fuel?

Natalya · 05-03-2016, 11:21 PM

The plane must use fuel to overcome gravity.

The more massive plane has more acceleration towards the ground because of gravity acting on the increased mass.

Therefore the more massive plane must expend more fuel to overcome that acceleration.

05-03-2016, 11:21 PM	#20 (permalink)
Natalya Engine-Off-Coast Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Atlanta Posts: 564 Red 2000 Insight (2017 through 2019) - '00 Honda Insight 5MT 90 day: 64.72 mpg (US) Red 2000 Lithium Insight (2020) - '00 Honda Insight LTO 90 day: 71.76 mpg (US) Thanks: 224 Thanked 309 Times in 177 Posts	The plane must use fuel to overcome gravity. The more massive plane has more acceleration towards the ground because of gravity acting on the increased mass. Therefore the more massive plane must expend more fuel to overcome that acceleration.