Fuelling of aircraft

Question 1

What checks with regards to aircraft fuel must be completed by the pilot before commencing a flight?

Answer 1

• Check the correct grade of fuel is loaded
• Check the correct quantity of fuel is loaded
• Check that there is no water or other debris in the fuel (CAO 20.9)

Question 2

How much distance must be between a fuel point or vent outlet and a sealed building during refuelling operations?

Answer 2

5 m

Question 3

How much distance must be between a fuel point or vent outlet and an un-sealed building during refuelling operations?

Answer 3

15 m (MTOW >5700kg)
9 m   (MTOW <5700kg)

Question 4

How much distance must be between a fuel point or vent outlet and a stationary aircraft during refuelling operations?

Answer 4

6 m

Question 5

How much distance must be between a fuel point or vent outlet and an exposed public area during refuelling operations?

Answer 5

15 m

Question 6

What is the definition of a sealed building?

Answer 6

A building made of non-flammable material and has no openings or all openings are sealed.

Question 7

May AVGAS be loaded while passengers are on board an aircraft?

Answer 7

No

Question 8

May an aircraft be over-wing refuelled with JetA1 while passengers are on board?

Answer 8

Yes, as long as certain conditions are met.

Question 9

What conditions need to be met before an aircraft with passengers on board may be over-wing refuelled?

Answer 9

• Only passengers with medical disabilities preventing them from leaving the aircraft without assistance may be on board
• Aircraft cabin door is open
• passenger loading and un-loading equipment is available
• passengers are told that refuelling ops are in progress
• seat-belt sign must be off and passengers must not have these fitted
• No smoking
• a cabin crew member of flight crew member must supervise any possible evacuations
• aircraft emergency lights need to be armed
• One cabin crew of flight crew member needs to be at an emergency exit
• the emergency evacuation area is kept clear
• ops manual procedures are followed
• if an engine is running a crew member needs to be in the flight deck

Question 10

May an engine be running during refuelling operations?

Answer 10

No

Question 11

May an external power source be connected or disconnected during refuelling ops?

Answer 11

No

Question 12

May maintenance work be completed on electrical equipment or the radar during refuelling operations with kerosene?

Answer 12

Yes, if the radar is off and the electrical equipment is interior lighting or electrics used for refuelling ops.

Question 13

When refuelling has been completed what checks should be done by the flight crew?

Answer 13

• Ensure correct quantity
• Ensure fuel caps are on and secure
• Check for contaminants

Question 14

What distance must be kept between refuelling ops and a person who is smoking?

Answer 14

15 m

Question 15

How many fire extinguisher must be present during refuelling ops?

Answer 15

2 within 15 m but not within 6 m