Select one means of controlling the fuel temperature on turbine-powered aircraft.

Controlling fuel temperature in turbine-powered aircraft is crucial for maintaining optimal fuel viscosity and ensuring proper engine performance. One effective means to achieve this is through the use of a heat exchanger, where engine bleed air is utilized.

The heat exchanger works by transferring heat from the engine bleed air to the fuel, warming it during colder conditions, which helps to prevent fuel from becoming too viscous. This process is particularly important during startup or low-temperature environments. By regulating the temperature in this manner, the fuel remains at a suitable temperature for optimal flow and performance, which ultimately contributes to engine efficiency and reliability.

The other methods may not provide the same level of effective temperature control as the heat exchanger. While using bleed air directed to components like the fuel filter or fuel tank can have impacts, they do not effectively manage the fuel temperature in the same systematic way a heat exchanger does. Fuel cooling fins can assist in heat dissipation, but they primarily work in reverse by cooling the fuel rather than regulating it through the use of controlled heat input. Thus, utilizing engine bleed air to a heat exchanger stands out as the most efficient option for controlling fuel temperature in turbine engines.