GROUND HANDLING
GROUND HANDLING
Fueling or Defueling
General
Fuelling/defuelling is considered to start as soon as the filler hoses are connected to the aircraft and pressurized. The flight crew shall ensure the necessary safety measures onboard. Fueling must not commence without clearance from the flight crew. Clearance may be given verbally, with undoubted hand signals, or via an intercom.
Fuelling/defuelling shall be considered completed only after all filler hoses have been disconnected from the aircraft. Flight crew shall be informed about the end of the fueling process.
Details of the fuel uplift have to be correctly entered in the Aircraft Technical Log and a gross error check shall be carried out.
The Commander is responsible that sufficient fuel is ordered for the completion of the planned flight.
The flight crew shall calculate and check the sufficient amount of fuel for the planned flight, based on the current flight preparation procedures.
Planned fuel figures for trip and take-off fuel (together with aircraft weight data) should be completed in the appropriate form, usually provided by the handling agent.
Supervision of Fueling/Defueling
For all fueling procedures at least one flight crew member must be present in the cockpit during the entire process (subject that the aircraft was handed over by maintenance and flight crew is already on board).
The engineer or other qualified station personnel or flight crew, as appropriate, shall ensure adherence to the safety precautions by spot checks. The Commander is responsible for observing the correct technical and safety procedures during the fueling/defueling operation but he may delegate the supervision of the fueling process to the qualified person(s) listed above.
The person supervising the fueling/defueling must be readily identifiable by means of distinctive clothing or uniform, and must remain in the vicinity of the aircraft whilst fueling is in progress. He is to ensure that in the event of fire or a major fuel spill, immediate and follow-up actions is taken to assure fueling is stopped, appropriate ground response staff or airport fire fighting service is summoned, as applicable. In case of any hazardous condition or situation, operating crew onboard the aeroplane and ground handling staff must be notified.
Fuel Types
Particular care shall be taken in advising the fuel supplier of the type, grade and fuel quantity required, with special reference to the units of measurement quoted (litres, US gallons, pounds etc.).
The Company standard fuel type is JET A-1. In addition, the following types are acceptable:
Note*: For limited use of max 50 % hours.
In China equivalent grade to freezing point of JET-A1 fuel is No.3 Jet Fuel.
Fuel Suppliers
Fuel suppliers are published on respective Airport Briefing sheet in OM Part C. Unless otherwise authorised, fuel should only be obtained from these suppliers, since the (lowest) contract fuel prices apply with these suppliers.
Fuel-Water Check
Flight crew member supervising refueling should request that fuel-water test has been accomplished by the fueling operator at each refueling.
Safety Measures
Safety precautions must be always taken to preclude the possibility of fire during refueling and defuelling procedures.
The main causes of risk of fire with fuel deal with sparks due to static electricity and hot point (engines, APU, ground installations, smoking).
The fuel generally does not catch fire easily, but the risk of fire is increased when the fuel is sprayed (link, disconnecting pipe) and in the presence of fuel vapour especially when low flash point fuels are used.
The handling agent or the flight crew, as appropriate, shall ensure strict adherence to the safety measures listed below during fueling or defueling. In addition, local airport regulations, which may exceed the regulations listed in this sub-chapter, shall also be considered. If any of these safety measures are not respected the fueling shall be stopped immediately.
During refueling the parking brake should be ON with ACCU PRESS having sufficient pressure.
Fueling Safety Zones
The fueling safety zone is an area extending 3 meters radially (or as specified by local regulations) from filling and venting points on aeroplane, fueling vehicle and within the hydrant pits.
Due to the fire hazard associated with fuel vapours, following items and processes shall not be used within the fuel safety zone:
• Matches, open flames, welding, use of photographic flashbulbs;
• Portable electronic devices, such as mobile (cell) telephones, portable radios and pagers.
Venting Areas
Venting area is a spherical zone around the fuel relief valves of an aeroplane, within which inflammable fuel vapours have to be expected during fueling. The extension of the venting area is 3 metres radially for Jet A1 fuel.
Refueling Vehicle
Refueling vehicle should, if possible, always move forward into the fueling position. If a vehicle has to be reversed, a guidance person shall be used. Vehicle should approach the aeroplane at walking speed.
Vehicle and their hoses shall not block the access to the cabin and hold doors. Extreme care shall be taken to position vehicle and equipment correctly, ensuring that strain is not applied to the fueling hoses.
The aeroplane and the vehicle shall be electrically bonded together throughout the fueling operation to ensure that no difference in electrical potential exists.
Access to the hydrant emergency stop button shall be visible and clear of obstruction and all ramp staff trained in its location and use.
The fuel operator shall maintain control of fueling operations using the hand held deadman device throughout the operation, remaining outside the vehicle cab at all times.
The fuel operator should conduct a final walk around the vehicle before driving away from the aeroplane to ensure all hoses have been disconnected and stowed correctly.
Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)
APU starts or shutdowns are permitted during refuel/defuel procedures. Electrical transients (caused by switching among the APU, the external and the engine electrical supply) during automatic refueling may stop the process.
An APU start is not permitted during refuel/defuel procedure if the APU has failed to start or an automatic shutdown has occurred.
Fueling vehicles should be positioned to avoid any risk of coming in the path of the exhaust stream from the APU.
In the event of APU fire during fueling/refueling, the operation shall be stopped immediately.
A normal APU shutdown must be completed if a fuel spill has occurred during refuel/defuel procedure.
Ground Power Unit (GPU)
Ground Power Unit (GPU) may be functioning, but starting or stopping it should be avoided.
GPU shall be positioned 6 m from the aeroplane fueling vents and venting points. If applicable, GPU should be started and electrical connections made before fueling begins. The unit should not be disconnected or switches operated during fueling.
In the event of fuel spillage, if safe to do so, the GPU shall be stopped immediately and shall remain stationary until the spill is removed and there is no danger from flammable vapour.
Electrical Equipment
The weather radar shall be switched OFF.
HF radio shall not be used or transmit.
Engine ignition system shall be OFF.
The connection or disconnection of any aeroplane electrical equipment, e.g. batteries and battery chargers, is not permitted during refueling.
Electrical circuits in the tanks area shall not be connected or disconnected. Aeroplane electrical/electronic systems, except weather radar and HF transmitter, may be operated to the extent required for pre-flight preparation.
Ground Servicing Equipment (GSE)
Equipment shall be positioned so that the fueling vehicle has a clear exit route and can be moved away from the aeroplane in a forward direction.
Vehicles, except fuel truck, shall not be positioned within the venting areas/fuelling safety zones.
A distance of 3 m should be maintained, wherever possible, between GSE and any fuelling equipment, i.e. vehicles, hoses, hydrant pits.
Equipment shall be positioned so that the ground area beneath the exits intended for emergency evacuation and slide deployment areas are kept clear.
The engines of unattended vehicles shall be switched off.
Smoking is not permitted within 20 meters of the aeroplane (or more, if required by local regulations).
Adverse Weather Conditions
If thunderstorms are near the aerodrome, flight crew shall be consulted, whether to start, continue or to interrupt the fueling. In case of doubt, the fueling process shall be suspended.
Fueling or Defueling
General
Fuelling/defuelling is considered to start as soon as the filler hoses are connected to the aircraft and pressurized. The flight crew shall ensure the necessary safety measures onboard. Fueling must not commence without clearance from the flight crew. Clearance may be given verbally, with undoubted hand signals, or via an intercom.
Fuelling/defuelling shall be considered completed only after all filler hoses have been disconnected from the aircraft. Flight crew shall be informed about the end of the fueling process.
Details of the fuel uplift have to be correctly entered in the Aircraft Technical Log and a gross error check shall be carried out.
The Commander is responsible that sufficient fuel is ordered for the completion of the planned flight.
The flight crew shall calculate and check the sufficient amount of fuel for the planned flight, based on the current flight preparation procedures.
Planned fuel figures for trip and take-off fuel (together with aircraft weight data) should be completed in the appropriate form, usually provided by the handling agent.
Supervision of Fueling/Defueling
For all fueling procedures at least one flight crew member must be present in the cockpit during the entire process (subject that the aircraft was handed over by maintenance and flight crew is already on board).
The engineer or other qualified station personnel or flight crew, as appropriate, shall ensure adherence to the safety precautions by spot checks. The Commander is responsible for observing the correct technical and safety procedures during the fueling/defueling operation but he may delegate the supervision of the fueling process to the qualified person(s) listed above.
The person supervising the fueling/defueling must be readily identifiable by means of distinctive clothing or uniform, and must remain in the vicinity of the aircraft whilst fueling is in progress. He is to ensure that in the event of fire or a major fuel spill, immediate and follow-up actions is taken to assure fueling is stopped, appropriate ground response staff or airport fire fighting service is summoned, as applicable. In case of any hazardous condition or situation, operating crew onboard the aeroplane and ground handling staff must be notified.
Fuel Types
Particular care shall be taken in advising the fuel supplier of the type, grade and fuel quantity required, with special reference to the units of measurement quoted (litres, US gallons, pounds etc.).
The Company standard fuel type is JET A-1. In addition, the following types are acceptable:
Note*: For limited use of max 50 % hours.
In China equivalent grade to freezing point of JET-A1 fuel is No.3 Jet Fuel.
Fuel Suppliers
Fuel suppliers are published on respective Airport Briefing sheet in OM Part C. Unless otherwise authorised, fuel should only be obtained from these suppliers, since the (lowest) contract fuel prices apply with these suppliers.
Fuel-Water Check
Flight crew member supervising refueling should request that fuel-water test has been accomplished by the fueling operator at each refueling.
Safety Measures
Safety precautions must be always taken to preclude the possibility of fire during refueling and defuelling procedures.
The main causes of risk of fire with fuel deal with sparks due to static electricity and hot point (engines, APU, ground installations, smoking).
The fuel generally does not catch fire easily, but the risk of fire is increased when the fuel is sprayed (link, disconnecting pipe) and in the presence of fuel vapour especially when low flash point fuels are used.
The handling agent or the flight crew, as appropriate, shall ensure strict adherence to the safety measures listed below during fueling or defueling. In addition, local airport regulations, which may exceed the regulations listed in this sub-chapter, shall also be considered. If any of these safety measures are not respected the fueling shall be stopped immediately.
During refueling the parking brake should be ON with ACCU PRESS having sufficient pressure.
Fueling Safety Zones
The fueling safety zone is an area extending 3 meters radially (or as specified by local regulations) from filling and venting points on aeroplane, fueling vehicle and within the hydrant pits.
Due to the fire hazard associated with fuel vapours, following items and processes shall not be used within the fuel safety zone:
• Matches, open flames, welding, use of photographic flashbulbs;
• Portable electronic devices, such as mobile (cell) telephones, portable radios and pagers.
Venting Areas
Venting area is a spherical zone around the fuel relief valves of an aeroplane, within which inflammable fuel vapours have to be expected during fueling. The extension of the venting area is 3 metres radially for Jet A1 fuel.
Refueling Vehicle
Refueling vehicle should, if possible, always move forward into the fueling position. If a vehicle has to be reversed, a guidance person shall be used. Vehicle should approach the aeroplane at walking speed.
Vehicle and their hoses shall not block the access to the cabin and hold doors. Extreme care shall be taken to position vehicle and equipment correctly, ensuring that strain is not applied to the fueling hoses.
The aeroplane and the vehicle shall be electrically bonded together throughout the fueling operation to ensure that no difference in electrical potential exists.
Access to the hydrant emergency stop button shall be visible and clear of obstruction and all ramp staff trained in its location and use.
The fuel operator shall maintain control of fueling operations using the hand held deadman device throughout the operation, remaining outside the vehicle cab at all times.
The fuel operator should conduct a final walk around the vehicle before driving away from the aeroplane to ensure all hoses have been disconnected and stowed correctly.
Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)
APU starts or shutdowns are permitted during refuel/defuel procedures. Electrical transients (caused by switching among the APU, the external and the engine electrical supply) during automatic refueling may stop the process.
An APU start is not permitted during refuel/defuel procedure if the APU has failed to start or an automatic shutdown has occurred.
Fueling vehicles should be positioned to avoid any risk of coming in the path of the exhaust stream from the APU.
In the event of APU fire during fueling/refueling, the operation shall be stopped immediately.
A normal APU shutdown must be completed if a fuel spill has occurred during refuel/defuel procedure.
Ground Power Unit (GPU)
Ground Power Unit (GPU) may be functioning, but starting or stopping it should be avoided.
GPU shall be positioned 6 m from the aeroplane fueling vents and venting points. If applicable, GPU should be started and electrical connections made before fueling begins. The unit should not be disconnected or switches operated during fueling.
In the event of fuel spillage, if safe to do so, the GPU shall be stopped immediately and shall remain stationary until the spill is removed and there is no danger from flammable vapour.
Electrical Equipment
The weather radar shall be switched OFF.
HF radio shall not be used or transmit.
Engine ignition system shall be OFF.
The connection or disconnection of any aeroplane electrical equipment, e.g. batteries and battery chargers, is not permitted during refueling.
Electrical circuits in the tanks area shall not be connected or disconnected. Aeroplane electrical/electronic systems, except weather radar and HF transmitter, may be operated to the extent required for pre-flight preparation.
Ground Servicing Equipment (GSE)
Equipment shall be positioned so that the fueling vehicle has a clear exit route and can be moved away from the aeroplane in a forward direction.
Vehicles, except fuel truck, shall not be positioned within the venting areas/fuelling safety zones.
A distance of 3 m should be maintained, wherever possible, between GSE and any fuelling equipment, i.e. vehicles, hoses, hydrant pits.
Equipment shall be positioned so that the ground area beneath the exits intended for emergency evacuation and slide deployment areas are kept clear.
The engines of unattended vehicles shall be switched off.
Smoking is not permitted within 20 meters of the aeroplane (or more, if required by local regulations).
Adverse Weather Conditions
If thunderstorms are near the aerodrome, flight crew shall be consulted, whether to start, continue or to interrupt the fueling. In case of doubt, the fueling process shall be suspended.
GROUND HANDLING
Reviewed by Aviation Lesson
on
10:40 AM
Rating:
Reviewed by Aviation Lesson
on
10:40 AM
Rating:
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