Just like owning a home or a car, owning an aircraft is a huge responsibility. While you can always get professionals to do fueling and maintenance activities, it is best that you know how to do these things on your own.
Anyone who flies or owns a plane must know how to fuel it themselves. After all, you won’t have someone else to handle your fueling, especially if you are at an unknown airport. The following blog post explains how you can fuel light your aircraft by yourself.
Steps For Refueling
The eleven steps for refueling your aircraft on your own include:
- Safety first, always observe safety procedures.
- Reach the fuel area.
- Connect the grounding wire firmly
- Review the fuel pump instructions. Strictly follow the directions.
- Use the refueling nozzle carefully.
- Fill your tanks and replace the caps.
- Rewind the fuel hose.
- Complete your payment.
- Untie the grounding wire.
- Secure your fuel caps.
- Sump the tanks.
The Basics
Important things first, every time you fly you are expected to know two things about your plane.
- How much fuel can your craft carry?
- What is the fuel grade of your plane?
You should also keep your plane’s registration number on hand as well as other official documents.
Lastly, remember that fueling your aircraft is not the same as fueling your car. There are a lot more safety measures in place and you need to be extra mindful while doing the job.
DIY Fueling
Safety First
Always work with safety in mind. Always be extra mindful about the job you are doing. Know where the safety equipment is stowed around you.
Other safety tips that you can follow include
- Never smoke around the fuel station, fuel tank, or near the tank farm.
- Obey the rules of the ramp and the vehicle corridors.
- Check for water in the fuel before and during fueling.
- Be aware of your surroundings while being on the ramp.
- When done, always double-check and make sure all the things are put away properly.
Approach The Fueling Area
Usually, there are several fueling areas. Choose an available spot and carefully maneuver your plane alongside the fuel pump. You’ll like to run close to the place where the hose and wires are the closest and can easily reach your craft.
Connect The Grounding Wire
Before letting any fuel flow, make sure to ground your aircraft using the grounding wire. You may experience static electricity during refueling, a grounding wire will help you deter any sudden discharges.
Review The Fuel Pump Instructions
Different airports have different fuel pumps. Therefore, take your time to read the pump instructions and follow the directions carefully.
Use The Refueling Nozzle
Generally, a ladder is available to fuel high-wing aircraft, so use the ladder and position it in a way that you have ready access to the fuel point.
Gently unreel the fuel hose and bring it to your aircraft. Remove the nozzle cap, insert the hose and squeeze to start fueling. Unlike regular gas stations nozzles, this nozzle typically doesn’t lock in the ‘on’ position, so pay close attention and ease the trigger manually, when the tank fills up.
Read More: What To Watch Out For Fuel Nozzle Maintenance?
Fill Your Tank And Replace The Caps
Once your fuel tank is filled, replace and secure the caps on the fuel tank carefully.
Move to the next wing and repeat the process all over again. If you need to place the nozzle down, make sure that the mouth of the nozzle does not touch the ground.
Rewind The Fuel Hose
Once you are done, rewind the hose properly for the next user. Many reels have springs attached to aid the hose back easily. Guide the hose back so that it retracts smoothly and properly.
Complete Your Payment
At this point, you may now complete your transaction at the station. Remember to switch off the main power if you’ve switched it on before.
Disconnect The Grounding Wire
Disconnect and rewind the grounding wire, just like you did the fuel hose.
Secure Your Fuel Caps
Double-check your tank caps and make sure they are closed securely and properly.
Sump The Tanks
At this point, you just want to reposition your aircraft and continue your journey. However, the new fuel may have water in it. Therefore, wait for the new fuel to settle in before sumping the tanks.
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