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Aircraft Refuelling Procedure and Precautions Approved by DGCA


 Aircraft Refuelling Procedure and Precautions

All aircraft parking stands on the Passenger Apron and Cargo Apron are equipped with underground fuel hydrants to facilitate refuelling of aircraft. Majority of refuelling operations are carried out after passengers are disembarked and before passengers board the plane although circumstance might prevail where this is deemed to be impractical. At most about 17 ground crews (2 of them are hydrant refuelling operators) will be working on the apron area during refuelling a wide bodied aircraft and the following precautions will be taken prior to refuelling the aircraft and during refuelling operations.

Precautions prior to aircraft refueling

  • Aircraft operator shall appoint a refuelling in-charge to supervise the refuelling procedures and handle the refueling process, including irregular situations. The refuelling in-charge shall identify himself to the into-plane refuelling operator.
  • Fire extinguishers and an aviation fuel system emergency shutdown valve are available at readily accessible positions at the aircraft parking stands and on all refuelling vehicles.
  • Regular emergency response training would be conducted to ensure the refuelling crew is conversant with the contingency procedures in alerting the Airport Fire Contingent (AFC) and the Apron Control Centre (ACC) in the event of fuel spillage or fire.
  • The refuelling in-charge shall ensure that:
  1. the aircraft wheels are adequately chocked before refuelling starts;

  1. a refuelling zone extending not less than 6 metres radially from the filling and venting points of the aircraft, and from the hydrant valve in use for the refuelling is established;
  2. a refuelling zone radiating from the tank vent of the bowser during defuelling; and
  3. the refuelling does not take place if hot brakes occur after landing are observed, until the brakes have been cooled to reduce potential fire danger.


  • The aircraft, refuelling vehicle, hose coupling or nozzle, filters, tunnels or any other appliance through which fuel passes, shall be effectively bonded to each other before filler caps are removed, and shall not be disconnected until the filler caps have been replaced.
  • Refuelling vehicles and equipment should be positioned in such a way that reverse departure is not required and they can leave the stand immediately in a forwards direction in the event of an emergency.
  • Personnel engaged in refuelling shall not carry lighters or other means of ignition, and shall not wear footwear with exposed iron or steel studs.
  • Ground power units must be positioned at least 6 metres from the aircraft fuel coupling and venting points, hydrant valves and other refuelling equipment.

  • All hand torches, inspection lamps and their cable connections used within the refuelling zone must be safe to use.
  • The into-plane refuelling franchisees are required to display a red flag at the fuel hydrant point to alert other personnel in the vicinity that aircraft refuelling is taking place.
  • Mobile phone or TMR shall not be used in the vicinity of the refuelling truck during the refuelling operation.



Precautions during aircraft refuelling operations

  • Aircraft engines shall not be running during the refuelling operations.
  • Refuelling vehicles and equipment shall be positioned in such a way that:
  1. the aircraft settling from the fuel load will not impinge on the equipment underneath;
  2. an exit path is kept clear from the aircraft to allow for a quick departure for refuelling vehicles and equipment in the event of an emergency;
  3. they shall not obstruct the escape route of persons from the aircraft in the event of an emergency;
  4. the access to aircraft for rescue and fire fighting vehicles is not obstructed;
  5. sufficient clearance is maintained between the refuelling equipment and the aircraft wing as fuel is transferred; and
  6. they are not positioned beneath the wing vents.
  • If an aircraft auxiliary power unit located within the refuelling zone is stopped during the refuelling operation, it shall not be restarted until refuelling has ceased and there is no risk of igniting fuel vapours.
  • Work activities which may generate a source of ignition shall not be carried out in the refuelling zone.
  • Oxygen system on-board the aircraft shall not be refilled during refuelling.
  • The refuelling in-charge shall maintain constant control of the vicinity around the aircraft during refuelling operations to ensure the correct positioning of service equipment and parking of refuelling vehicles.
  • Only qualified personnel acquiring adequate training on refuelling operation shall be permitted to operate the refuelling equipment and to ensure that the fuel flow is cut off quickly in the event of emergency.
  • The airline or aircraft operator shall ensure that all personnel working inside or in the immediate vicinity of the aircraft are made aware that refuelling is taking place.
  • Refuelling vehicle engines shall be kept running whilst aircraft refuelling is taking place. This is to maintain the operation of the fuel pump system, and to ensure the vehicle can vacate immediately in the event of emergency.
  • Bonding shall be carried out:
  • between aircraft and refuelling equipment; and
  • between aircraft fitting and hose nozzle.
  • Cable, clips and plugs for bonding shall be kept in good condition without signs of damage or cracks.
  • All vehicles performing aircraft servicing functions shall not be driven or parked under aircraft wings while refuelling is in progress.




Additional precautions to be taken when passengers remain on board during refuelling operations

  • Prior notification to carry out refuelling with passengers on board should be made to ACC.
  • The Captain of the aircraft and the Station Engineer of the airline concerned must be informed.
  • The areas below the aircraft doors must be cleared to enable the deployment of emergency chutes should this be required. Minimum sizes of clearance zones are:
  • A free and unobstructed passenger escape route must be maintained from the airbridges, aircraft steps or emergency chutes to a safe area.
  • The on board illuminated “NO SMOKING” and “EXIT” signs must be switched on.
  • The cabin aisles and the emergency exit areas must be kept clear of obstructions.

  • Announcements must be made to advise passengers of the no smoking requirement and restriction on operating electrical equipment or producing sources of ignition.
  • The same number of airbridges or aircraft steps as normally used for passenger disembarkation must be positioned at the doors and opened. Cabin staff must be stationed at each door throughout the period of refuelling to direct emergency evacuation if the need arises.
  • During refuelling, if the presence of fuel vapour is detected in the aircraft interior, or any other hazard arises, refuelling and all cleaning activities using electrical equipment within the aircraft should be stopped until conditions permit resumption.
  • When passengers are embarking or disembarking during refuelling, the passenger route should avoid areas where fuel vapours are likely to be present. Passenger movements should be supervised by airline staff.
  • Communications shall be maintained by aeroplane inter-communications system or other suitable means between the refuelling in-charge and the pilot.
  • Additional cabin staff should be available to assist any invalid, wheel-chair or incapacitated passengers in case of emergency evacuation.



Aircraft Refueling Procedure and Precautions as per CAR


1.1 Aircraft rule 25A prescribes the procedures of fuelling of aircraft. This part of CAR gives
the procedures adopted for the fuelling of aviation fuel and similar products of an aircraft. These standard procedures are recommended to provide guidance to the aircraft operators,oil companies and other concerned authorities in order to minimize the hazards arising out of fuelling operations.

1.2 Much of this guidance will also apply to fuelling of aircraft and to cases of maintenance of aircraft fuel systems. But supplementary instructions may generally be necessary to provide for specific cases.

2. DEFINITION

2.0 For the purpose of this CAR the following definitions shall apply.

2.1 Fuelling - shall mean dispensation of fuels and power boost fluids into an aircraft for the generation of engines power and augmentation of thrust, and shall include both fuelling and defuelling.

2.2 Fuelling Zone or Precautionary Area - is regarded as the area extending 6 metres radially from the aircraft fuelling point, venting point and fuelling equipment.

12. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN THE FUELLING ZONE

12.1 Within Fuelling Zone, smoking, the use of naked lights or operation of switches on lighting systems of other than approved pattern shall be forbidden.

12.2 Unless fuelling takes place in a designated `No Smoking Area', `No Smoking' signs shall be predominantly displayed not more than 15 metres away from the fuelling equipment and aircraft tank vents.

12.3 Persons engaged in fuelling operations shall not carry matches or other means of ignition. They shall also not use foot wear with exposed iron or steel studs, nails or lips.

12.4 Equipment with all metal wheels or rod capable or producing sparks shall not be moved in the fuelling zone while fuelling is in progress.

12.5 Aircraft borne auxiliary power units (APUs) which have an exhaust influx discharging into the zone shall be started before filler caps are removed or fuelling connections made.

12.6 No auxiliary power unit in the fuelling zone shall be started in the fuelling zone when fuelling operation has been commenced. If an APU has stopped for any reason, it shall not be started when the fuelling is continuing and there is a risk of fuel vapour ignition.

12.7 Ground Power Units (GPUs) whenever used shall be positioned not less than 6 metres from the aircraft filling and venting points and the fuelling equipment.

12.8 Only approved vehicles and equipment shall be run in the fuelling zone. These vehicles and equipments shall be subjected to regular inspection and maintenance to preserve their safety characteristics (see also 17.1).

12.9 Exhaust of the refuelling vehicle shall not pass over the fuelling hose intake hose.

13. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AGAINST STATIC ELECTRICITY DISCHARGE
BONDING AND EARTHING

13.1 During fuelling, the prevention of fire risk due to static electricity discharge is dependent upon efficient bonding between the aircraft and the fuel supply source. Ideally, earthing should be through apron earthing points designed for this purpose. Drag chains and conductive tyres normally accepted for earthing purposes are seldom effective under all climatic conditions.

13.2 The aircraft, fueller,hose nozzle, filters, funnels or any other appliance through which fuel passes shall be electrically bonded throughout the fuelling operation. Connection shall be made to designated points on clean and unpainted metal surfaces of the aircraft and the fueller.

13.3 Before transfer of fuel commences, following procedures shall be carried out in respect of bonding the fueller and the aircraft.

13.3.1 Whenever apron earthing points exist the aircraft and fuelling equipment shall be earthed to them.

13.3.2 The aircraft shall be effectively bonded to the fuelling equipment.


13.3.3 Whenever wing fuelling is employed, the nozzle of the hose shall be bonded to the aircraft structure before filler cap is removed.

13.3.4 In case of pressure fuelling, metal to metal contact
between the aircraft filling and the fuelling hose
coupling shall be ensured. In addition a bonding pin
or clip from the fuelling hose coupling to the aircraft
structure near the fuel receptacle may be used to
provide additional safeguard.

13.3.5 When refuelling from drums, barrels or similar
equipment is carried out, similar precautions shall be
taken to bond the pumping equipment, hose nozzle and
fuel container.

13.3.6 Whenever funnels are used, they shall be bonded both to
the nozzle of the hose or can and to the aircraft. If
a chamois leather is used, the metal ring around the
leather shall be bonded to the funnel.

13.4 The fuel valve shall not be opened before bonding
connections are made. Similarly, at the end of the fuelling
operations, first the fuel valve shall be closed, fuelling
coupling disconnected or the fuelling nozzle removed as the
case may be and then only shall the bonding connections be
broken.

13.5 All cables, clips and plugs used for bonding or earthing
shall be maintained in proper condition and regularly tested
for electrical continuity and a record thereof maintained.

14. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS AGAINST FIRE HAZARD

14.1 When any part of undercarriage assembly has become
abnormally heated during landing or taxying, the aircraft
shall not be fuelled until heat has dissipated. Fuelling
equipment shall not be positioned until the Operator's
representative has satisfied himself that there is no risk
from heated components.

14.1.1 In checking for high temperatures, care shall be taken
in approaching the wheels. The wheels shall be
approached from the fore or aft and never from the
sides.

14.2 Fire extinguishers of adequate capacity and approved type
shall be readily available before the transfer of fuel
begins. The straps securing them to the refuelling
equipment shall be unfastened before the fuelling operations
are started. Adequate number of trained persons shall be
readily available to operate these units.

14.3 The fire extinguishers shall be maintained to the standards
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recommended by their manufacturers.

14.4 Fuelling crew shall be instructed in the procedure for summoning the aerodrome fire
service.

14.5 Fuelling operation shall cease when a turbo prop jet aircraft manoeuvres so as to
bring the rear jet outlets within 43 metres of the fuelling equipment or the aircraft fuelling point
and vent system (see also 16.1).

15. SAFETY FROM ELECTRICAL STORMS/HEAVY RAIN
15.1 Extreme care shall be exercised while fuelling during electrical storms. Fuelling shall
be suspended during severe lightning disturbances in the vicinity of the aerodrome or
helipad.

15.2 Overwing fuelling shall not be carried out during electrical storms. Fuelling shall be
suspended during heavy storm/rain.

16. HAZARDS FROM ADJACENT AIRCRAFT OPERATION

16.1 Before and during fuelling, it shall be ensured that no hazard arises to the personnel or
equipment from the efflux from other aircraft or APUs. If the hazardous conditions exist,
fuelling operation shall immediately by suspended until conditions permit resumption of
fuelling operations (see also 14.5).
NOTE: It may be noted that the engine efflux of modern jet aircraft when taxying could have
speeds up to 65 knots and a temperature above 50 degree Celsius even at a distance of

30 metres from the exhaust point. This temperature may not be dangerous from the fire point
of view, but the personnel and the equipment could be effected.



3. GENERAL

3.1 No persons shall fill or replenish the fuel tanks of an aircraft from vehicles or vessels containing petroleum in bulk or from fuel hydrant installations except from vehicles or installations of a type approved by the Chief Inspector of Explosives or from barges licenced under the Petroleum Rule 1937. The fuel and other products delivered by the oil companies shall be of a quality already agreed to between the purchaser and the supplier but shall conform to approved specifications.

3.2 All the statutory rules regarding transportation, storage and handling of aviation fuels and similar products and for illumination of the fuelling zone as agreed by DGCA shall be followed by the concerned personnel.

3.3 No leaking or defective fuelling equipment shall be used.

CIVIL AVIATION REQUIREMENTS SECTION 2-AIRWORTHINESS SERIES 'H', PART II 28TH APRIL, 1992


4. SUPERVISION OF FUELLING

4.1 The fuelling of an aircraft shall be done under the supervision of a person nominated by operator or as specified in the Quality Control Manual and shall be carried out by authorised person from the oil company. The Operator's representative shall ensure that the fuelling of an aircraft is carried out in accordance with the prescribed manner, following the conditions laid down by the aircraft manufacturer. The approved personnel shall not move from the place of fuelling leaving the aircraft and fuelling vehicles unattended.


5. FUELLING CONDITIONS
5.1 The aircraft operator shall furnish written instructions to the fuelling company regarding the correct procedure of fuelling and precautions to be taken for particular types of aircraft. These instructions shall include the fuelling pressure, rate of delivery, etc. Special precautions, such as in the case of switch refuelling (see 20) shall also be intimated to the oil company in advance. All special conditions and requirements of aircraft manufacturers during their servicing and fuelling shall be followed by all concerned.
6. FUELLING PLACE

6.1 The refuelling of an aircraft shall be done in an open place
so designated. As a general guide, the fuelling places
should be atleast 15 metres away from the nearest building
except those parts of building, which are constructed for
the purpose of direct loading/unloading of aircraft. The
aircraft shall not be fuelled within 30 metres of radar
equipment under test or in use in aircraft or ground
installations. The refuelling shall be carried out on a
level surface as far as possible. The nominated person
shall ensure that there is adequate restraint of the
aircraft by checking that the brakes are applied and the
wheel chocks are placed properly before the fuelling
operations are started.

7. APPROACH TO AN AIRCRAFT

7.1 While placing the refuelling equipment oblique approach to
the aircraft shall be followed. The equipment driven shall
be marshalled in position. Similarly withdrawal of
refuelling equipment shall be done under supervision. The
refuelling equipment shall never be reversed towards the
aircraft.

8. POSITIONING OF FUELLING EQUIPMENT

8.1 The refuelling equipment shall be placed in such a way that
a clear exit path is maintained all round the equipment to

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and from the aircraft to allow its quick removal in case of
need.

8.1.1 In such cases when the fuelling vehicle is parked under
the aircraft, it shall be ensured that any accidental
spillage from the aircraft air vent does not fall on
the fuelling equipment.

8.2 The vehicles and equipments shall not be placed where they
may cause obstruction to the evacuation of persons from
occupied portions of the aircraft in case of an emergency.

9. MANNING OF FUELLING VEHICLES

9.1 Every refuelling vehicle shall be manned by atleast one
competent person. The operation of the vehicle shall be
done only by the competent person(s). Adequate manpower
shall be available to the competent person(s) in order to
shut off the flow of fuel and or manoeuvre/retreat the
equipment in case of an emergency.


10. FUEL QUANTITY DELIVERY

10.1 The exact quantity of fuel in terms of volume along with its
break up distribution in various tanks if desired shall be
detailed to the oil company representative. The oil company
representative shall issue a delivery receipt indicating the
quantity of fuel refuelled in the aircraft. The density of
fuel supplied shall be declared on this receipt, if so
desired.

11. APPROVAL OF FUEL SAMPLES AND STARTING OF FUELLING

11.1 Fuelling of an aircraft by the oil company shall be started
only after the fuel samples have been approved by the
aircraft operator and a clearance has been given to the oil
company to start the fuelling operations.

11.2 It shall be ensured that the fuel samples are free from
water and other contaminants. Fuel is to be checked by
approved water detecting device to ensure that it is free
from water.


17. MAINTENANCE OF REFUELLING VEHICLE AND EQUIPMENT USED

17.1 All vehicles, their engines and equipment shall be subject to regular inspection and
maintenance to preserve their safety characteristics. The engine, the electrical and
exhaust systems of such vehicles shall not make any sparks or flames. Vehicles moving in
the danger zone shall be fitted with spark arrestors and flame traps.

18. USE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC FLASH EQUIPMENT

18.1 No photographic flash bulbs and electronic flash equipments shall be permitted to be
used within 6 metres filling or venting points of an aircraft or fuelling equipment.
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19. OPERATION OF RADAR

19.1 Aircraft shall not be fuelled within 30 metres of radar
equipment under test or in use in aircraft or ground
installations.

20. SPECIFIC PRECAUTIONS IN CASE OF FUEL MIXTURES

20.1 Mixture of wide cut and kerosene turbine fuels could result
in the air fuel mixture in the tank being in the combustible
range at common ambient temperatures during fueling. The
risk of this type of sparking would be minimum if antistatic
additive is present in fuel.

20.2 In cases of fuel mixtures a reduced rate of fuelling shall
be adopted. The amount of reduction in flow rate needed is
dependent upon the fuelling equipment in use and the type of
filtration employed on the aircraft fuelling distribution
system (see also 5.1).

21. SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE OF AIRCRAFT DURING FUELLING

21.1 While fuelling is in progress, servicing, maintenance test
and repair activities shall be carried out subject to the
conditions stipulated in 21.1 to 21.12. Aircraft or other
maintenance work which may create a source of ignition
shall not be carried out while fuelling is in progress.

21.2 All ground equipment, such as platform steps shall be clear
of the aircraft. Because after fuelling, the aircraft has a
tendency to settle down due to increase in weight and this
changed attitude of the aircraft may thus cause damage to
the aircraft/such equipment.
21.3 The main engines of the aircraft shall not be operated.
Operation of APUs & GPUs shall be in accordance with the
provisions of 12.6, 12.7 and 12.8.

21.4 Only those switches which are essential in carrying out the
fuelling or servicing operation shall be operated when
fuelling in progress.

21.5 Strobe lighting which is likely to give spark shall not be
operated.

21.6 All connections between the ground equipment and the
aircraft shall be made before the filler caps are removed
and shall not be broken until the fuelling ceases.

21.7 In case of the use of battery trolleys, the electrical
circuit shall remain unbroken till the fuelling operation is
completed.

21.8 Vehicles operating in the fuelling zone shall not pass under
or park near the aircraft unless specifically required to do
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so for maintenance or fuelling purposes.

21.9 Aircraft combustion heaters shall not be used.

21.10 Only checking and limited maintenance work such as the
exchange of units shall be carried out on radio, radar and
electrical equipment. Testing of such equipments shall be
deferred until the fuelling is completed.

21.11 Radio equipment of approved types installed on fuelling and
servicing equipment may be operated.

21.12 All hand torches and inspection lamps and their cable
connections used in the fuelling zone shall be of explosion
proof/intrinsically safe type.

21.13 Only authorized persons and vehicles shall be permitted
within the fuelling zone and their number shall be kept to
the minimum.

22. FUELLING WITH PASSENGERS ABOARD AND DURING EMBARKATION AND
DISEMBARKATION

22.1 To reduce transit time and for security reasons, sometimes
airlines allow passengers to embark and disembark or remain
on board during fuelling operations.

22.2 In case wide cut turbine fuels are involved and/or the fuel
does not contain anti-static additive, it is advisable to
disembark the passengers before fuelling.

22.3 The decision to allow passengers to embark, disembark or
remain on board during fuelling is the responsibility of the
airline and following precautions shall be exercised by the
airline concerned:
a) Fixed wing aircraft with a seating capacity of less
than 20 shall not be permitted to be refuelled with
passengers on board.
b) Passengers are warned that fuelling will take place and
that they shall not smoke, operate switches or
otherwise produce sources of ignition.
c) The `No Smoking' and `Exit' signs are illuminated.
d) Provision is made for safe evacuation of passengers
via atleast two of the main passenger embarkation and
disembarkation doors in the event of the emergency. A
responsible person should be positioned at each door in
order to supervise evacuation of passengers, if needed.
e) If during fuelling, the presence of fuel vapour is
detected in the aircraft interior, or any other hazard
arises, fuelling should be stopped.
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f) Ground servicing activities and work within the
aircraft should be conducted in such a manner that they
do not create a hazard or obstruct exits.

g) Access to and egress from the areas where aircraft
escape chutes may be deployed should be kept clean.

h) When passengers are embarking or disembarking during
fuelling, their route should avoid areas where fuel
vapours are likely to be present and be under the
supervision of an airline official. `No smoking' should
be enforced strictly during such passenger movements.

23. FUEL SPILLAGE

23.1 In the case of a spillage covering an area greater than 5
square metres, fuelling operations shall stop. All persons
shall be evacuated from the effected area to a place at
least 15 metres from the spillage. Movement of persons and
vehicles in the affected area shall be avoided. It shall be
ensured that all activities are restricted to reduce the
risk of ignition.

23.2 Engines of vehicles within 6 metres of a spillage shall not
be started until the area is declared safe.

23.3 Prior to recommencing fuelling, action must be taken to
clean the spilled fuel. Fuel must not be washed into sewers
or drains.

24. HELICOPTERS
24.1 Because of design features of helicopters namely close
proximity of fuel intake and tanks to the passenger
compartments, it is recommended that passengers should not
be allowed to remain in the aircraft and be away from the
fuelling zone when fuelling is in progress. Engines should
not be operated when fuelling is in progress.

25. TRAINING

25.1 It is essential that all personnel connected with the
fuelling operations are adequately trained by their
employers and are supplied with appropriate instructions and
guidance on safe operating procedures. All such personnel
shall be fully conversant with the operation of fire
fighting equipment provided for the fuelling operations.

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