FUELING OPERATIONS

AIRCRAFT FUELING JET Fuel – Turbine Engine AV Gas – Piston Engine

Establish communications and protocols with the fueling vendor at the airport. Fuel trucks will not approach an aircraft while the engine(s) is running. Fuel trucks will remain clear until the flight crew or parking tender signals the driver to approach. Maintain at least ten feet distance between the fuel truck and aircraft.

Fueling is the responsibility of the flight crew and a crew member must be present during the fueling. Base personnel will not participate in fueling operations. The base manager/ramp manager/ parking tender will see that fueling operations are performed in accordance with the Aviation Fuel Handling Handbook (DOI/AMD Handbook 351DM1).

Bonding of the fuel truck and aircraft is essential to remove the potential of discharge from static electricity. Bonding ensures that both aircraft and fuel truck have the same electrical potential.

Only authorized personnel are allowed in the presence of fueling operations. Smoking is prohibited within 100 feet of aircraft fueling. Fuel vapors may settle to the ground and travel long distances, posing a hazard well away from the fueling source. No Smoking signs are posted and fire extinguishers (minimum 20 lb B) are provided at each fueling location. Auxiliary power units should be located well away from the fueling operation and should not be connected or disconnected from the aircraft during the fueling process.

Fuel spills present an extremely hazardous fire potential and should be handled as such. If fuel is discovered spilling from the fuel service equipment or from the aircraft itself, the fuel servicing shall be stopped immediately. Do not attempt to start the fuel truck or aircraft due to the potential of ignition. Every spill should be reported immediately to the base manager, and remedial action taken. The base manager should determine if the operations in progress can be continued safely or if they should be stopped.

The location and size of the spill will dictate the type of cleanup. Asphalt surfaces absorb fuel very quickly and are damaged whereas concrete surfaces are not harmed. Clean up smaller spills as quickly with absorbent pads, or vermiculite (kitty litter) rather than washing them away. Used absorbent materials should be placed in an appropriate hazmat container with a self- closing lid and then properly disposed of. A “slow drip” of fuel from a SEAT caused this asphalt damage!

Any fuel spill presents a potential fire hazard, all aviation fuels are extremely flammable. Smaller sized spills (less then 18 inches) generally require no special emergency action. Use absorbent materials for cleanup as needed.

Small spills involving an area from 18 inches to 10 feet in any dimension (not over 50 square feet in area) require the restriction of the area to keep nonessential persons away and eliminate all ignition sources. A fire guard will be posted to standby with a fire extinguisher. Use absorbent materials for cleanup as needed. If the circumstances of the event indicate a potential for ignition notify the local fire department immediately.

Any spill approximately 10 feet or larger in any dimension or of a continuing nature is extremely hazardous and requires emergency action. Cease operations in the spill area, remove nonessential personnel, and standby with a fire extinguisher. Immediately notify the local fire department to respond.

Depending upon activity at the airtanker base, the ramp manager may allow fueling on the retardant loading pits when allowed in the ramp safety plan. During flight operations pilots will notify the base manager of fuel needs. During flight operations pilots will notify the base manager of fuel needs. Hot-fueling (SEATs) may only occur with an approved closed circuit system and is performed by the SEAT vendor. Such an operation will occur under circumstances or in an area that does not pose a hazard to other aircraft or personnel. Hot-fueling (SEATs) may only occur with an approved closed circuit system and is performed by the SEAT vendor. Such an operation will occur under circumstances or in an area that does not pose a hazard to other aircraft or personnel.

SEAT over the wing, open port

P2V over wing, open port (AV gas)

Closed Circuit Fueling- (Jet Fuel)

(The distance of lightning may be approximated by counting the seconds between the flash and the sound of thunder, and then dividing by five.) Fueling should not occur when lightning activity is within vicinity of the airport (5 mile radius). If so, fueling will be discontinued and equipment moved away from the aircraft. NO FUELING!