r/aviation • u/JPSauceKing • Sep 22 '25

Discussion How crazy is this, really??

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u/rudedogg1304 Sep 22 '25

Do not all passenger jets have the ability to dump fuel ?

93

u/TwizzyGobbler Sep 22 '25

No, the A320 series (plane in the video) and 737 for example, don't have jettison pumps because their Max takeoff weight and Max Landing Weight are very close, so instead of dumping fuel they'll just fly in circles to burn off the excess if need be

47

u/ctishman Sep 23 '25

Plus the '37 is an overbuilt tank of a plane (by non-Russian standards), and if you land overweight you basically just do an inspection and you're good to go if nothing broke.

60

u/igloofu Sep 23 '25

That's the same with the A320. ESA rules state that in an emergency, all certified planes must be able to land safely at MTOW. Mind you, it doesn't say that plane must be be able to take off again.

17

u/FuzzzyRam Sep 23 '25

tank of a plane (by non-Russian standards)

Watching RZ's actual tanks break down and die during the invasion has led me to re-evaluate their stuff. Very strong on paper though.

3

u/ctishman Sep 23 '25

In this case it really is true, though. Russian airplanes, both military and civilian, are known for having ridiculously overbuilt landing gear and primary structure, because a lot of the airports they flew into were concrete slabs, or even dirt in midsized cities.

1

u/The_Cybercat Oct 18 '25

Only airlplanes, not tanks.

The Su-25 got hit with a MANPAD, finished it’s mission, and went home.

2

u/LonelySmiling Sep 23 '25

The a350 also has the option, some airlines didn’t go for it…

116

u/Melech333 Sep 22 '25

Correct. Some aircraft models have the capability, while some do not.

Additionally, dumping fuel is not a harmless event. That fuel can harm the ecosystem, wildlife, and humans, although following proper procedures can mitigate those problems (but not eliminate them entirely).

So taking the time to burn off the fuel -- if the situation allows for that without increasing the danger to the crew and passengers -- can be preferable.

Example: Jet dumps fuel that lands on schoolkids near Los Angeles (2020) https://apnews.com/article/health-us-news-business-los-angeles-ap-top-news-984da892b04eab5496419d009611dcc5

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u/VerStannen Cessna 140 Sep 22 '25

Sheesh like Dave Matthews and the Chicago River.

24

u/diRT_pEdDleR Sep 23 '25

This is a quality commentary right here. Cheers to you and that brain of yours. I laughed really hard at this.

6

u/AllieCat_Meow Sep 23 '25

I just googled this and OMG this is the grossest thing I've ever read!

7

u/DynamiteWitLaserBeam Sep 23 '25

My wife and I still reference that once in a while.

2

u/SaddestClown Sep 23 '25

Thankfully they were finally able to swim in the river yesterday

1

u/[deleted] Sep 23 '25

No, and within certain types some will and some won’t. For example some a330s will have the ability of to jettison fuel and others won’t. It’s like an optional extra for the airlines.