How is fuel delivered to the engine in the Cessna 172?

In the Cessna 172, fuel is primarily delivered to the engine through a gravity feed system. This means that fuel flows from the wings, where it is stored in the fuel tanks, down to the engine by the force of gravity. This system is efficient and relies on the elevation difference between the fuel tanks and the fuel delivery points to ensure that the engine receives an adequate supply of fuel during all phases of flight, provided the aircraft is in a level attitude.

While there are components like the fuel pump that can assist fuel delivery—especially during certain conditions such as low fuel pressure or during engine starts—the primary mode of delivering fuel in a Cessna 172 is through gravity. This simplicity reduces the reliance on mechanical or electric components that may introduce extra points of failure.

The other options address systems that are typically not the main delivery method in a Cessna 172. The mechanical fuel pump or electric fuel pump might be used for auxiliary support. In contrast, a high-pressure fuel system is generally found in high-performance or turbine engines rather than in simple piston aircraft like the Cessna 172.