Final answer:
Changing fuel tanks in cruise flight involves selecting the appropriate tank, ensuring positive fuel flow, and watching for irregularities. The process varies by aircraft and type of fuel mixtures used. Fuel requirements in transportation do not scale linearly, particularly in space travel.
Step-by-step explanation:
When changing fuel tanks in cruise flight, pilots must follow specific protocols to ensure safety and efficiency. The process generally involves monitoring the fuel gauges and ensuring that fuel is balanced between tanks to maintain stability of the aircraft. The switching procedure typically includes selecting the appropriate fuel tank via the fuel selector valve, confirming positive fuel flow from the newly selected tank, and observing for any irregularities such as engine sputtering which may indicate air in the fuel lines or other issues. It's essential to note that the exact method may vary depending on the aircraft's design and the type of fuel system used.
For aircraft with liquid fuel/oxidant mixtures and solid fuel mixtures, different protocols may apply, particularly pertinent to space vehicles or advanced aviation technology. These vehicles use different engine types that may require unique switching mechanisms, especially if the engines switch from a liquid to a solid fuel source, as suggested by the provided reference.
Moreover, the reference about the cargo ship's fuel consumption illustrates the logistics of energy storage and fuel capacity considerations in comparison to the traditional internal combustion engines, although this pertains to maritime rather than aerial vehicles. It serves as a reminder that fuel requirements do not scale linearly with distance in all modes of transportation, and this is especially true in space travel due to the immense energy needed just to escape Earth's gravity.