FC5389 - Flight crew refuelling operations

Initial Report

At many airports, aircrew are required to manually operate the fuel panel for refuelling operations. This procedure requires us to manually operate switches on the fuel panel, whilst on a ladder and with a headset plugged in to a headphone jack in order to be in communication with the other flight crew member on the flight deck. My concern is lack of training, as many of my colleagues have never been shown how to operate the fuel panel during training. I was only shown once by a line trainer 10 years ago and this was just how to operate switches, and there is no guidance in any of our manuals on how to operate and what to do in case of an emergency. Some companies even require special training to be on a ladder. I’d like this investigated in order to clarify whether or not this is actually safe, and if there are any recommendations that you could provide.

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Airline Comment

Refuelling procedures within [Airline] are fully approved by the [Regulatory Authorities] and the CAA. All flight crew are provided with comprehensive initial and recurrent training, which is contained with our Operations Manual (Crew Training Manual).

The syllabus for this training is as follows:

Refuelling Supervisor Training

  • Definitions
  • Roles and Responsibilities Flight Crew
  • Cabin Crew Special Refuelling Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Ground Crew Special Refuelling Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Responsibilities Refuelling Operator
  • Refuelling Supervisor Responsibilities
  • Refuelling Supervisor Responsibilities
  • Reporting requirements and procedures

Operation of the Fuel Panel Switches  

There are a limited number of cases where Flight Crew may be required to operate the fuelling panel; however, this restricted to the opening, closing and operation of the switching in the refuelling quantity panel only. Making any necessary nozzle connections to the fuel hydrant pit and the aircraft, operating the fuel vehicle will always be performed by the fuelling provider.

All flight crew are provided with instructor-led classroom-based training on operation of the fuelling panel in order to facilitate the above.

CHIRP Comment

All AT pilots will be familiar with the general process for refuelling their aircraft type, as well as an awareness of the correct operation of appropriate switches in the cockpit. However, this isn’t the same as being properly trained on how to conduct safe refuelling operations, in practice, and when away from home base. The CAA’s view is that pilots should be trained on the refuelling process for their aircraft type, including talking through the process during line training as part of type-conversion. Subsequently, if pilots feel that they aren’t competent to take part in actual refuelling activities if and when asked to do so, then it’s important that they raise their concerns directly with management, who should then take steps to ensure that appropriate re-training and additional guidance is given. Reducing errors and mistakes, thereby minimising incidents and accidents, is in large part due to personnel being suitably qualified and trained and supported by relevant experience to maintain currency in standard procedures and be able to anticipate hazards as they develop during an operation.