Avoiding misfuelling
Delivering the incorrect type of fuel into an aircraft is known as a misfuelling - this risk exists because aviation aircraft are generally fuelled via the overwing method using a hand held trigger nozzle. The fuel grade required may be either Jet or Avgas
There are quite a few examples of similar looking aircraft that require different grades of fuel. The increasing numbers of aircraft undergoing engine conversions and the recent development of the diesel cycle aviation engine have added to the risk of and hence misfuelling confusion.
The consequences of a misfuelling can be devastating, especially when Jet fuel is delivered into piston-powered aircraft (requiring Avgas). The blend in the aircraft fuel tanks that results from such misfuelling can severely affect engine performance and lead to total engine failure – probably just after the aircraft has taken off.
This is because Jet fuel (kerosene) does not burn particularly well in an internal combustion engine. It is like putting diesel into your petrol-operated car.
There are many documented cases of misfuellings and one common factor that is almost always present has been a failure to specify what type of fuel is required in the first instance.
This is because Jet fuel (kerosene) does not burn particularly well in an internal combustion engine. It is like putting diesel into your petrol-operated car.
There are many documented cases of misfuellings and one common factor that is almost always present has been a failure to specify what type of fuel is required in the first instance.
Ordering your fuel
Ordering fuel is a routine part of flying – a simple exchange between professionals who pride themselves on the safe and accurate performance of a routine operation.Aviation industry personnel are trained to be alert to the detail of their work and to the discipline of cross-checking. This safety culture is part of the industry and matched in few other workplaces.
Despite this professionalism, there is a fundamental and potentially fatal flaw in the routine way general aviation fuel orders are often communicated. Fuel orders will usually include aircraft registration details, the quantity of fuel required and possibly a time-frame or details of payment.
"Fill to tabs please", "100 litres a side, thanks mate" are common examples of the current verbal ordering process. What is frequently not mentioned in this exchange is the type of fuel required.
Take a few extra seconds to specify the type of fuel you need and seek confirmation from the refueller. If you do forget to specify the fuel type, understand that when you are asked what type of fuel you want, the refueller has your safety in mind. Stating your requirements and confirming them should be part of every order – regardless of how obvious the type of fuel required may seem, or how frequently your aircraft is refuelled.
The refuelling industry has several other mechanisms to help prevent misfuellings
The refuelling industry has several other mechanisms to help prevent misfuellings, including colour coding of equipment and forms.
Wing decals
The use of wing decals provides an additional barrier against misfuelling by providing a powerful visual confirmation of fuel type immediately before fuelling. The wing decals are colour coded – as are the refuelling nozzles.Pilots are strongly encouraged to fit and regularly replace wing decals, which are readily available from your local refuelling company. Most refuelling companies promote a "No decal – No fuel" position.
Fuel type (grade) decals
Large and clearly visible colour-coded decals are positioned on all fuelling storage, bowser and vehicle equipment. This also assists in fuel type recognition. Always check for the correct grade of fuel when you are present while the aircraft is fuelled.Fuel order forms
Fuel order forms are used to gain written confirmation of the type of fuel required. They are used where the fuelling operator is uncertain about the correct grade to supply. For Air BP refuellers, fuel order forms are mandatory when wing decals are not fitted.Selective nozzles
Selective nozzles utilise different-sized spouts for Avgas and Jet A-1. Jet nozzles utilise a larger spout than Avgas nozzles, so that the wide Jet spout will not fit into the selective Avgas fuelling port.However, there are many Avgas aircraft that are not or cannot be fitted with the selective fuelling port, so many will accommodate the wider Jet nozzle. Additionally, some Jet aircraft (particularly helicopters) have fuelling ports too small to accept the wider Jet spout and hence the selective nozzle has to be removed and a standard nozzle fitted.
Air BP strongly encourages pilots to fit the selective port modification kits which are available for most Avgas-powered aircraft.
Drums
Before filling, drums are colour-coded and clearly marked with the grade of fuel.Case studies
The causes of misfuelling incidents are often astonishingly simple:The lessons to learn
Misfuellings are fairly rare. The industry gets it right most of the time, but when it doesn’t, the outcomes maybe tragic. A slight difference in routine, a last minute change in aircraft type, parking closer to the wrong fuel bowser.Most of the time it is because both refueller and pilot have made assumptions. At many locations, pilots and refuellers know each other well – the same aircraft is fuelled in the same location every day at the same time. It is important to correctly confirm the grade for every refuelling.
Global information
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