Embraer Regional Jet (ERJ) Systems Practice Test

The fuel system in the Embraer ERJ-145 is configured to be pressurized by wing-mounted fuel pumps. This design ensures that fuel is delivered to the engines at a consistent and adequate pressure, which is essential for optimum engine performance and reliability. The wing-mounted fuel pumps maintain the fuel at the required pressure levels, allowing for effective distribution and preventing cavitation that might occur if the system relied solely on gravity or other methods. This active pressurization contributes to the overall efficiency of the fuel system and enhances safety by reducing the risk of fuel starvation during various flight maneuvers.

In comparison, gravity-fed systems are less common in modern jet designs due to their limitations in pressure management, while external fuel sources typically do not play a role in a regional jet’s standard operational fuel system. Vacuum-assisted delivery is also not relevant to the ERJ-145's fuel system configuration.