Section 13 Table of Contents Page
Section / 13Page / 1
Date / 07-01-04
Revision / Original
13.1 Fueling Procedures 2
13.2 Rapid Refueling Of Helicopters 3
13.3 Fuel Spills 4
13.1 FUELING PROCEDURES [135.23(j)]
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Date / 07-01-04
Revision / Original
13.1.1 All refueling will be made from aviation fuel sources using adequate filtering.
13.1.2 The Pilot-in-Command (PIC) will:
(a) Determine the amount and type of fuel that will be required for the scheduled flight and place the order for it. The octane rating of the fuel dispensed will be the minimum octane required by the engine and airframe manufacturer; or, if that is not available, the next higher octane rating.
(b) Ensure refueling is not attempted in the vicinity of a thunderstorm.
(c) Ensure that refueling does not take place inside a hangar.
(d) Disembark all passengers and ensure they will not approach within 50 feet of the aircraft until refueling has been completed.
(e) Verify that all aircraft electrical switches are placed in the off position prior to fueling and remain so for the duration of the fueling procedure, unless otherwise required for the refueling operation.
(f) Verify that an adequate and operable fire extinguisher is available in the immediate vicinity.
(g) Ensure that no person smokes, and that there is no lighted flame or spark within 50 feet of the aircraft.
(h) During refueling the tank cap shall be placed in a secure clean area.
(i) Never block or tie the nozzle trigger in the open position.
(j) Never leave the nozzle unattended.
(k) Always replace the fuel tank cap after fueling.
(l) After the refueling operation is completed, and prior to flight:
(1) Take fuel samples from the tank and sump drains and verify these fuel samples are free from moisture and other contamination.
(2) Verify the fuel and oil caps and associated access doors are secured.
13.2 RAPID REFUELING OF HELICOPTERS
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Date / 07-01-04
Revision / Original
13.2.1 Only turbine engine helicopters requiring Jet fuel shall be permitted to be fueled while an onboard engine is operating.
13.2.2 Helicopters permitted to be fueled while an onboard engine is operating shall have all sources of ignition of potential fuel spills located above the fuel inlet port(s). Ignition sources include but are limited to engine exhausts, APU’s, and combustion type cabin heater exhausts.
13.2.3 Helicopter fueling while onboard engines are operating shall only be permitted under the following conditions:
(a) An FAA-licensed helicopter pilot is at the aircraft controls during the entire fuel service process.
(b) Passengers shall be deboarded to a safe location prior to rapid refueling operations.
(c) Passengers shall not board or deboard during rapid refueling operations.
(d) Only designated personnel, properly trained in rapid refueling operations, shall operate the equipment.
(e) All doors, windows, and access points allowing entry to the interior of the helicopter that are adjacent to, or in the immediate vicinity of the fuel inlet ports shall be closed and kept closed during refueling operations.
(f) Fuel shall be dispensed from approved deadman-type nozzles, with a flow rate not to exceed 10 gallons per minute. When fuel is dispensed from fixed piping systems, the hose cabinet shall not extend in to the rotor space. A curb or other approved barrier must be provided to restrict the fuel service vehicle form coming closer than 10 ft to any helicopter rotating components. A trained person shall direct fuel servicing vehicles approach and departure. If a curb or other approved barrier cannot be provided, the fueling equipment shall be kept 20 ft beyond any helicopter rotating components.
13.3 FUEL SPILLS
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Date / 07-01-04
Revision / Original
13.3.1 Fuel spills present a very serious fire hazard which extends far beyond the area of the spill itself. The highly flammable vapors that are released are heavier than air. Under certain wind conditions, they may settle and travel considerable distances along the ground. All that is required to start a fire is a source of ignition somewhere along the path of travel.
13.3.2 Every spill should be considered a potential fire and reported at once to the supervisor so corrective action can be taken. In case of a small spill (up to six feet in any dimension, if on a paved surface), establish a fire guard and keep unauthorized persons away. Clean up the spill with rags or an absorbent agent as quickly as possible.
13.3.3 Never walk through a liquid area of a fuel spill because of the extreme hazard in case of ignition.
13.3.4 If the spill is larger than six feet in any dimension, get help at once. Blanket the spill with foam and then clean it up. Any gasoline-powered equipment operating in the area should not be disturbed, because an attempt to move the vehicle or shut off the engine may result in a dangerous backfire or other source of ignition. Motorized equipment outside the immediate spill area should be moved away or shut down. Shutting off operating equipment should be done by smoothly reducing speed to idle before cutting the ignition. This will reduce the possibility of backfire.
13.3.5 Aircraft should not be operated in the area until the cleanup is complete.
13.3.6 Tow or push the aircraft away before the engines are started.