Fuel a Plane

Ever wanted to know how to fuel a plane? Fuelling a plane is not the same as filling up your car. By following the steps outlined in the following instructions, you will have the necessary knowledge to be able to refuel an airplane safely.

Steps

1. Determine what fuel grade is required for your aircraft.
2. Determine how much fuel is required.
3. Connect the ground wire to the aircraft.
4. For high wing aircraft put ladder in front of the fuel cap on the furthest fuel tank.
5. Drag out fuel hose, for as far as you need it.
6. Remove fuel cap.
7. As you see in the video, this is not like fuelling your car. On larger aircraft, you must fill up the wings first, simply for the balance of the plane. While fuelling make sure all selected valves are correctly opened. If they are not check with the pilot or contact maintenance.
8. You must fill up the wing tanks before fuelling the centre tank.
9. After fuelling reinstall fuel cap and close the panel correctly.
10. Wind up fuel hose.
11. Wind up ground wire.
12. Double check fuel caps are tight.

Tips

• When fuelling touch nozzle to lip of the filler hole, so it is grounded in two places.
• Double check, and even triple check, fuel load, tail of the aircraft.
• Check for water in the fuel, before fuelling and during fuelling.
• Before refuelling you should be trained by owners of the fuel station, on their procedures
• After fuelling double check with pilots to make sure they are satisfied with fuel on board.
• Always double check that things are put away and are tight.
• Obey the rules of the ramp and vehicle corridors.

Warnings

• Do you water checks on every plane and even before fuelling.
• Always ground the truck to the aircraft.
• No smoking around fuel truck or near the tank farm.
• Be aware of your surrounding while driving on the ramp.
• Do your walk arounds after completing every aircraft.
• Do not drive behind aircraft while their engines are running.

Things You'll Need

• Coveralls
• Gloves
• Reflective vest
• Red pass (security pass)
• AVOP (Airport Vehicles Operating Permit)
• Pen
• Clip board
• Your Run (fuel loads for every plane)
• Safety boots

References

See also

• Land an Airplane in an Emergency
• Read an Aviation Routine Weather Report (METAR)
• Get Your FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License at Home
• Pack a 26 Foot High Velocity Parachute
• Become a Member of AOPA
• Clean an Ultra Lite Carburetor
• Make a Video for Selling Your Aircraft
• Start Free Online Pilot Training with FAA Safety.gov
• Prepare to Fly an Airplane in an Emergency
• Attend Flight School

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