What does the term "misfueling" describe?

The term "misfueling" specifically refers to the act of fueling an aircraft with the wrong type of fuel. This can lead to severe consequences for the aircraft's engine and overall performance, potentially resulting in engine failure or damage. Different aircraft require specific types of fuel—such as aviation gasoline (AvGas) or jet fuel (Jet A)—and using the incorrect type can cause serious operational issues.

In contrast, over-fueling an aircraft does not necessarily imply a fuel type error; it simply refers to the act of adding more fuel than necessary for the flight. Draining excess fuel from tanks is a separate procedure that may be performed for various reasons, such as to remove fuel contamination or to reach a specific weight. Routine inspection of fuel quality is essential for safety but does not relate specifically to the act of misfueling itself. Understanding the critical nature of using the correct fuel type is fundamental for maintaining aircraft safety and serviceability.