If the fuel flow for all conditions is high, what might this indicate?

• A. If there are other instrument abnormalities, there are possibly damaged turbine components
• B. The engine is operating normally
• C. The fuel flow transmitter is calibrated incorrectly
• D. The aircraft is running on reserve fuel

Answer: (A)

When fuel flow stays high across a range of operating conditions, it signals an engine fault rather than normal operation. The strongest clue is the presence of other instrument abnormalities. If multiple readings are off—such as unusual temperature, pressure, rpm, or vibration values alongside the high fuel flow—it points to a mechanical issue inside the engine, most likely damaged turbine components. Damaged turbine parts can disrupt the engine’s efficiency and fuel metering relationship, causing the fuel control to command more fuel than the engine actually needs.

This isn’t consistent with normal operation, where fuel flow tracks with demand and engine speed. It isn’t related to running on reserve fuel, and while a faulty flow transmitter could cause erroneous readings, the accompanying instrument abnormalities suggest an internal engine fault rather than just a sensor calibration issue.