Systems and methods for distributing loads from fluid conduits, including
aircraft fuel conduits, are disclosed. An aircraft configured in
accordance with one embodiment of the invention includes a fuselage
portion, a wing portion, and a fuel tank carried by least one of the
fuselage portion and the wing portion. The aircraft also includes a spar
carried by at least one of the fuselage portion and the wing portion. The
spar includes a first spar rib and a second spar rib spaced apart from
the first spar rib. The aircraft further includes a fluid conduit
proximate to the spar and operably coupled to the fuel tank. A support
member carrying the fluid conduit is operably coupled to the spar. The
support member can be positioned to transfer at least approximately all
of the axial loads from the fluid conduit to at least one of the first
spar rib and the second spar rib.