I recall a Facebook post from a while back, where a guy criticized one of the local airlines in the Philippines, accusing them of engaging in an illegal and hazardous practice. He claimed that the airline was refueling the aircraft while boarding passengers, asserting that this was dangerous and against the law. However, the situation backfired when several well-informed individuals, including myself, informed him that refueling an aircraft during passenger boarding is, in fact, a legal and standard procedure!
We even provided references from the FAA and the CAAP, demonstrating its legality as long as specific safety protocols are followed.
Refueling an aircraft while passengers are boarding has become a common practice in the aviation industry, allowing airlines to optimize their turnaround times and minimize delays. Despite the fact that this practice may raise some eyebrows, it is both legal and safe when performed correctly.
Legality of Refueling During Boarding
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other international regulatory bodies permit refueling while passengers are boarding, provided that specific safety procedures are followed. These regulations are outlined in various documents, such as the FAA’s Advisory Circular (AC) 150/5230-4B, “Aircraft Fuel Storage, Handling, Training, and Dispensing on Airports,” and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Airport Handling Manual (AHM).
Safety Procedures for Refueling During Boarding
Communication and Coordination
Effective communication and coordination between the flight crew, ground crew, and refueling personnel are vital to ensure a smooth and safe refueling process. The pilot-in-command (PIC) must be informed of the refueling process and must give their consent before it begins. The PIC also has the authority to halt the operation at any point if they believe it is unsafe to continue.
Grounding and Bonding
Static electricity can pose a significant risk during refueling, potentially igniting fuel vapors. To mitigate this risk, the aircraft and fueling equipment must be grounded and bonded. This process involves connecting the aircraft and fuel truck or fuel hydrant with a bonding cable, ensuring any static charge is safely dissipated.
Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers must be readily available at the refueling site to promptly address any fire-related emergencies. Both ground crew and refueling personnel must be trained in using these extinguishers to ensure they can respond effectively in case of an incident.
Safety Distances
Regulations require maintaining a specific distance between the refueling equipment and other vehicles, equipment, or structures. This distance, often referred to as the “safety zone,” minimizes the risk of fire spreading in the event of an incident.
No-Smoking Rule
Smoking is strictly prohibited within 50 feet of the refueling operation to minimize the risk of fire. No-Smoking signs must be prominently displayed, and both crew members and passengers must adhere to this rule.
Cabin Crew Procedures
Cabin crew procedures during refueling while boarding can vary from country to country. In the Philippines, general guidelines for cabin crew involve ensuring that all crew members are stationed at their respective positions, doors are disarmed, and fasten seatbelt signs are switched off.
During refueling, all emergency exits must be unobstructed, and evacuation slides should not be armed. Passengers must be informed about the refueling process and instructed on the appropriate actions to take in case of an emergency.
Supervision
Qualified personnel must closely supervise the entire refueling process to ensure that all safety procedures are followed and to quickly address any issues that may arise.
Training
All personnel involved in refueling operations must receive proper training, ensuring they understand the procedures and can effectively handle emergencies. Training must be periodically updated to maintain proficiency.
Refueling an aircraft while boarding is a legal and safe practice, provided that strict safety procedures are adhered to by all parties involved. These procedures, as outlined by regulatory bodies such as the FAA and IATA, serve to protect passengers, crew members, and ground personnel from potential hazards. By following these guidelines, airlines can optimize their turnaround times without compromising the safety and well-being of everyone on board.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
