What type of fire extinguisher is most effective for aircraft fires involving fuel?

The most effective type of fire extinguisher for aircraft fires involving fuel is the Class B fire extinguisher. Class B extinguishers are specifically designed to combat fires fueled by flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, and other hydrocarbon-based substances. Since aircraft fires often result from fuel ignition, using a Class B extinguisher allows personnel to effectively suppress these types of fires through the use of materials such as foam, dry chemical powders, or carbon dioxide.

Class A extinguishers are utilized for ordinary combustibles like wood and paper and would be ineffective against fuel fires. Class C extinguishers are meant for electrical fires, which could be a concern in aircraft but are not suitable for fires involving flammable liquids. Class D extinguishers are intended for combustible metals, which are not applicable in the context of fuel fires in aviation settings. Thus, relying on a Class B fire extinguisher is the best approach to effectively manage aircraft fires involving fuel.