Agenda 06/11/2013 Item #14A16/11/2013 14.A.1.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Recommendation that the Collier County Airport Authority adopt the attached Resolution
and amend Section 4 (Fire and Safety) of the Airport Rules and Regulations.
OBJECTIVE: To allow hot fueling when otherwise allowed by law and pursuant to a Standard
of Procedures approved by the Airport Authority.
CONSIDERATIONS: Section 14 of the Collier County Airport Authority Ordinance (Ord. No.
04 -03, as amended) provides as follows:
Adoption of rules and regulations previously adopted by the Collier County Airport
Authority.
(a) The Board of County Commissioners, pursuant to F.S. § 332.08, hereby adopts all
of the following Rules and Regulations heretofore adopted by the Collier County Airport
Authority ( "Authority "):
(1) The Collier County Airport Authority Rules and Regulations for General
Aviation Airports, Collier County, Florida, applicable to the Everglades Airport,
to the Immokalee Regional Airport, and to the Marco Island Executive Airport,
adopted by the Authority as revised on February 1, 2002.
(2) Minimum Standards for Commercial Airport Aeronautical Activity and
Service Providers at the Collier County Airports, as revised on November 14,
2005.
(3) The Collier County Airport Authority Administrative Code, adopted by
the Authority as revised on August 9, 2004.
(4) The Collier County Airport Authority Leasing Policy adopted by the
Airport Authority as revised on February 11, 2002.
A dispute has recently developed between Fletcher Flying Services and the Authority
involving his hot fueling of aircraft. It is not unusual for crop dusting purposes to hot fuel the
aircraft, and Mr. Fletcher has modified his aircraft to safely do so. I am proposing that the
Collier County Airport Rules and Regulations be amended as follows:
SECTION 4.
FIRE AND SAFETY
4.01 GENERAL:
a. All persons using the Airport or any facilities at the Airport shall exercise the utmost
care to guard against fire and injury to persons and /or property.
b. All fueling_ operations, devices, or handling shall be in accordance with Federal, State
and Coup regulations and safety standards as well as any lease or fuel license,
agreement or rules of the Collier County Airport Authority. All applicable codes,
Packet Page -690-
6/11/2013 14.A.1.
standards and recommended practices of the Collier County Code of Laws and
Ordinances now in existence or hereafter promulgated and not in conflict herewith, or not
in conflict with any SOP of the Authority or with Federal Aviation Regulations, are
hereby adopted by reference as part of the Rules and Regulations of this Airport.
4.02. FUELING OPERATIONS:
a. AIRCRAFT ENGINES
1. No aircraft shall be fueled or de- fueled while one or more of its engines are running or
the aircraft is then being warmed by external heat without the prior approval of the
Airport Authority. All requests for approval must be accompanied with a proposed
standard operating, procedure (SOP) as well as proof of adequate insurance.
2. No person shall start the engine of an aircraft if there is any gasoline or other volatile
fluid on the ground or otherwise within the vicinity of the aircraft and starting the engine
could ignite such fuel.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS: The attached Resolution was prepared by the County Attorney,
is approved as to form and legality, and requires majority support for approval. If approved, a
copy of the Resolution must be posted at the courthouse and at every such airport for 4
consecutive weeks. -JAK.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Collier County Airport Authority adopt the attached
Resolution and amend its Airport Rules and Regulations to allow hot fueling when otherwise
allowed by law and pursuant to a Standard of Procedures approved by the Airport Authority.
Prepared by: Commissioner Tom Henning, District 3
Attachment: The Collier County Airport Authority Rules and Regulations
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6/11/2013 14.A.1.
COLLIER COUNTY
Board of County Commissioners
Item Number: 14.14.A.14.A.1.
Item Summary: Recommendation that the Collier County Airport Authority adopt the
attached Resolution and amend Section 4 (Fire and Safety) of the Airport Rules and Regulations.
(Commissioner Henning)
Meeting Date: 6/11/2013
Prepared By
Name: SmithCamden
Title: Executive Aide to the BCC
6/3/2013 3:50:20 PM
Submitted by
Title: Executive Aide to the BCC
Name: SmithCamden
6/3/2013 3:50:23 PM
Approved By
Name: KlatzkowJeff
Title: County Attorney
Date: 6/4/2013 9:30:04 AM
Name: KlatzkowJeff
Title: County Attorney
Date: 6/4/2013 10:19:16 AM
Name: GreenwaldRandy
Title: Management/Budget Analyst,Office of Management & B
Date: 6/4/2013 10:44:43 AM
Name: OchsLeo
Title: County Manager
Date: 6/4/2013 11:05:27 AM
Packet Page -692-
6/11/2013 14.A.1.
RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -
A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY AS THE
COLLIER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY, AMENDING THE
AIRPORT RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR EVERGLADES AIRPARK,
THE IMMOKALEE REGIONAL AIRPORT, AND THE MARCO ISLAND
EXECUTIVE AIRPORT.
WHEREAS, Collier County Ordinance No. 2004 -03, as amended, the Collier County
Airport Authority Ordinance, adopted rules and regulations relating to the operation of three
airports: The Immokalee Regional Airport, the Marco Island Executive Airport, and the
Everglades City Airpark; and
WHEREAS, Section Fourteen of Ordinance No. 2004 -03, as amended, sets forth the
manner by which the adopted Rules and Regulations may be amended; and
WHEREAS, the Board of County Commissioners, acting in its capacity as the Collier
County Airport Authority desires to amend Section 4 of these Rules and Regulations to allow hot
fueling when otherwise allowed by law and pursuant to a Standard of Procedures approved by
the Airport Authority.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY
COMMISSIONERS OF COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, ACTING IN ITS CAPACITY
AS THE COLLIER COUNTY AIRPORT AUTHORITY, that:
Section 4 of the Airport Rules and Regulations for Everglades Airpark, The Immokalee
Regional Airport, and The Marco Island Executive Airport is hereby amended as follows:
SECTION 4.
FIRE AND SAFETY
4.01 GENERAL:
a. All persons using the Airport or any facilities at the Airport shall exercise the utmost
care to guard against fire and injury to persons and /or property.
b. All fueling operations, devices, or handliny- shall be in accordance with Federal, State
and Coup regulations and safety standards as well as any lease or fuel license,
agreement or rules of the Collier Coup Airport Authority. All applicable codes,
standards and recommended practices of the Collier County Code of Laws and
Ordinances now in existence or hereafter promulgated and not in conflict herewith, or not
in conflict with any SOP of the Authority or with Federal Aviation Regulations, are
hereby adopted by reference as part of the Rules and Regulations of this Airport.
Words Underlined are added; Words Stmek Thfough are deleted.
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6/11/2013 14.A.1.
4.02. FUELING OPERATIONS:
a. AIRCRAFT ENGINES
1. No aircraft shall be fueled or de- fueled while one or more of its engines are running or
the aircraft is then being warmed by external heat without the prior approval of the
Airport Authority. All requests for approval must be accompanied with a proposed
standard operating procedure (SOP) as well as proof of adequate insurance.
2. No person shall start the engine of an aircraft if there is any gasoline or other volatile
fluid on the ground or otherwise within the vicinity of the aircraft and starting the engine
could ignite such fuel.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that pursuant to Ordinance No. 2004 -03, as amended,
and Section 332.08(2), Florida Statutes, a copy of this Resolution shall be promulgated by
posting at the courthouse and at every such airport for 4 consecutive weeks or by publication
once a week in a newspaper published in the County for the same period.
THIS RESOLUTION ADOPTED after motion, second and majority vote on this the
day of 52013.
ATTEST:
DWIGHT E. BROCK, Clerk
, Deputy Clerk
Approved as to form and legality:
Jeffrey A. Klatzkow
County Attorney
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COLLIER COUNTY, FLORIDA, ACTING IN
ITS CAPACITY AS THE COLLIER COUNTY
AIRPORT AUTHORITY
GEORGIA A. HILLER, ESQ.
CHAIRWOMAN
Words Underlined are added; Words Stme k T i feubh are deleted.
Packet Page -694-
htty: / /www.faa.Lyov /other visit/aviation industrv/airline operators /airline safetv /safo
A SAFO contains important safety information and may include recommended action. SAFO content should be especially
valuable to air carriers in meeting their statutory duty to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public
interest. Besides the specific action recommended in a SAFO, an alternative action may be as effective in addressing the safety
issue named in the SAFO.
Subject: 14 CFR, parts 91, 133, and 137 and hot fueling /loading
Purpose: This SAFO highlights current guidance and best - practices for Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91, 133, and 137 operators that conduct fueling or- chemical loading with the
enginesrunning (hot fueling /loading).
Background: On May 30, 2009, a Bell 47G -2 helicopter operating under part 137 was being refueled
with the engine running (hot fueling) when the ground crew spilled fuel onto the engine while trying to
untangle a kink in the hose. The helicopter quickly caught fire and the pilot sustained serious injuries as a
result. Additionally, on September 9, 2008, a Bell 206 -B helicopter, operating under part 137, sustained
substantial damage while conducting hot fueling and chemical loading simultaneously. After fueling was
complete, but with the chemical hose still attached, the ground crew mistakenly gave an "all clear" hand
signal to the pilot. As the pilot ascended, the chemical hose caused the helicopter to pitch nose down and
roll to the right, contacting the ground.
Recommended Action: Hot fueling/loading can be extremely hazardous and is not recommended except
when absolutely necessary due to the nature of the operation. Operators who conduct hot fueling /loading
should develop standard operating procedures (SOP) for flight and ground crew personnel. The operator's
procedures should address the following guidelines:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that hot fueling be conducted only by
aircraft utilizing JET A or JET A -1 fuel types. If strict operating procedures are not followed, hot
fueling of aircraft utilizing AvGas can be extremely hazardous due to its low flash point. Aircraft
being fueled while an engine is operating should have all potential ignition sources located above
the fuel inlet port(s) and above fuel vent or tank openings. Sources of ignition include, but are not
limited to: engines, exhausts, auxiliary power units (APU), and combustion -type cabin heater
exhausts. In accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) section 91.9, hot fueling is
not permitted if the Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual contains an associated operating
limitation.
• An appropriately certificated and rated pilot should be at the flight controls during the entire hot
fueling/loading process with controls appropriately adjusted to prevent aircraft movement. The pilot
should unbuckle all restraints, and be prepared to immediately shut -down the engine and egress the
Distributed by: AFS -200 OPR: AFS -800
Packet Page -695-
6/11/2013 14.A.1.
IV
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4�
SAFO
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/STVL �
Safety Alert for Operators
U.S. Department
SAFO 10020
of Transportation
DATE: 11/23/10
Federal Aviation
Administration
Flight Standards Service
Washington, DC
htty: / /www.faa.Lyov /other visit/aviation industrv/airline operators /airline safetv /safo
A SAFO contains important safety information and may include recommended action. SAFO content should be especially
valuable to air carriers in meeting their statutory duty to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public
interest. Besides the specific action recommended in a SAFO, an alternative action may be as effective in addressing the safety
issue named in the SAFO.
Subject: 14 CFR, parts 91, 133, and 137 and hot fueling /loading
Purpose: This SAFO highlights current guidance and best - practices for Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91, 133, and 137 operators that conduct fueling or- chemical loading with the
enginesrunning (hot fueling /loading).
Background: On May 30, 2009, a Bell 47G -2 helicopter operating under part 137 was being refueled
with the engine running (hot fueling) when the ground crew spilled fuel onto the engine while trying to
untangle a kink in the hose. The helicopter quickly caught fire and the pilot sustained serious injuries as a
result. Additionally, on September 9, 2008, a Bell 206 -B helicopter, operating under part 137, sustained
substantial damage while conducting hot fueling and chemical loading simultaneously. After fueling was
complete, but with the chemical hose still attached, the ground crew mistakenly gave an "all clear" hand
signal to the pilot. As the pilot ascended, the chemical hose caused the helicopter to pitch nose down and
roll to the right, contacting the ground.
Recommended Action: Hot fueling/loading can be extremely hazardous and is not recommended except
when absolutely necessary due to the nature of the operation. Operators who conduct hot fueling /loading
should develop standard operating procedures (SOP) for flight and ground crew personnel. The operator's
procedures should address the following guidelines:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that hot fueling be conducted only by
aircraft utilizing JET A or JET A -1 fuel types. If strict operating procedures are not followed, hot
fueling of aircraft utilizing AvGas can be extremely hazardous due to its low flash point. Aircraft
being fueled while an engine is operating should have all potential ignition sources located above
the fuel inlet port(s) and above fuel vent or tank openings. Sources of ignition include, but are not
limited to: engines, exhausts, auxiliary power units (APU), and combustion -type cabin heater
exhausts. In accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) section 91.9, hot fueling is
not permitted if the Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual contains an associated operating
limitation.
• An appropriately certificated and rated pilot should be at the flight controls during the entire hot
fueling/loading process with controls appropriately adjusted to prevent aircraft movement. The pilot
should unbuckle all restraints, and be prepared to immediately shut -down the engine and egress the
Distributed by: AFS -200 OPR: AFS -800
Packet Page -695-
6/11/2013 14.A.1.
aircraft, if necessary. The pilot should not conduct any extraneous duties during hot fueling /loading.
Other personnel should not be on -board the aircraft during hot fueling/loading.
• Only designated personnel, with proper training in hot fueling/loading operations, should operate
fueling or chemical loading equipment. The operator's written procedures should include'.
precautions for safe handling of the fuel or chemical, emergency shutoff procedures, fire
extinguisher use, hand signal use, and precautions regarding moving propeller and rotor blades.
• At least two ground personnel should be present during hot fueling/loading. One person conducts
the fueling/loading, while the other stands by prepared to activate the fuel/chemical emergency
shutoff and handle fire extinguishers if necessary. The aircraft should remain well clear of the fuel
source, and at no time should the aircraft wing or helicopter blades extend over the fueling source
• Before fueling, the aircraft must be bonded to the fuel source to equalize static.electricity between
the fuel source and the aircraft. Grounding of the aircraft and /or fuel truck is no longer
recommended because it does not prevent sparks at the fuel source, and the grounding cable may
not be sufficient to discharge the electrical current.
• All doors, windows, and access points allowing entry to the interior of the aircraft that are adjacent
to, or in the immediate vicinity of, the fuel inlet ports should be closed and should remain closed
during fueling operations.
• Fuel should be dispensed into an open port only ,;from approved deadman -type nozzles, with a flow
rate not to exceed 10 gallons per minute (38 liters per minute). Close port pressure fueling ports are
preferable because the potential for spillage is reduced.
• A fire extinguisher of appropriate type and size for the fueling operation must be within easy
reach of ground personnel at all times during hot fueling operations. Operators who conduct hot
fueling should also equip the aircraft with a fire extinguisher in the cockpit, if possible.
• When fueling/loading is complete, the pilot must ensure that the seatbelt and shoulder harness are
properly re- secured as necessary prior to any aircraft movement.
• Operators should include this SAFO in initial and recurrent training programs for pilots and ground
personnel.
References:
• Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) — Helicopter Rapid Refueling,
• AC 00 -34A, Aircraft Ground Handling and Servicing,
• National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 407, Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing,
• Include review of this SAFO in initial and recurrent training, and flight reviews.
Contact: Questions or comments concerning this SAFO can be directed to the General Aviation and
Commercial Division, AFS -800, via phone at 202 - 267 -8212.
Distributed by: AFS -200
Packet Page -696-
OPR: AFS -800
From: Robert L. Cox [rcox @nationair.com]
Sent: Wednesday, May 22, 2013 2:08 PM
To: WalkerJeff
Cc: SmithCamden; BManglaris @nationair.com;
tkaiser @nationair.com
Subject: Collier County Board of Commissioners -
Immokalee Airport
6/11/2013 14.A.1.
tenant hot refuleing
Jeff,
Our Global Aerospace underwriter has reviewed the documents relating to
Fletcher Flying
Service. His response is as follows:
"I have done the underwriting on my end and am ok with the risk but am
guarded should there
be a large loss. I would still let the airport manager know that $1
million in liability coverage
may not go a long way and if we get sucked in on a big enough loss it
would affect the
account loss history through no fault of their own."
Jeff - it becomes the airport's authority decision to allow Fletcher
Flying Service to perform the
hot refueling. The underwriter acknowledges Fletcher Flying Service
provided the requested
description of their hot refueling process as well as a current
Certificate of Insurance naming
the airport authority as Additional Insured with a Waiver of Subrogation
in favor of Collier
County Board of Commissioners.
Please let us know if you decide to allow the tenant to perform hot
refueling at Immokalee
Airport so that we may confirm back to Global.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention and we appreciate your
patience during underwriting review and approval.
Regards,
Bob
Robert Cox
Sales Executive
Orlando, FL
N A T I 0 N A I R
Aviation Insurance Agency
Cell: 407 - 492 -1078
Packet Page -697-
6/11/2013 14.A.1.
USA/G Certificate of Insurance
This is to certify to: Collier County Board of Commissioners
whose address is: 3299 Tamiami Trail, Suite 303
Naples, Florida 34112 -5746
that: Fletcher Flying Service, Inc.
whose address is: P. O. Box 1272
Le Belle, Florida 33935
is at this date insured with the Several Participating Companies of the United States Aircraft Insurance Group, for the
Limits of Coverage stated below, at me toilowing locations: the United States of Amenca.
De=lvtive Schedule of Coverages
Limits of Coverage
Kind of Insurance Policy Number Policy Term Each Person Each Occurrence Aggregate
AIRCRAFT LIABILM 4WAU-bW5 sober 1, ZU12 -'-
Combined Liability Coverage for October 1. 2013
bodily injury (except to passengers)
and property damage $ 1,000,000
AE, PLICA R'S COVERAGE includes Comprehensrre overage
Including Adjacent Fields and Crops being Treated
AIRCRAFT LIABILITY 400AC 53475 October 1, 2012 -
Combined Liability Coverage for October 1, 2013
bodily injury (except to passengers)
and property damage $ 300,000 $ 300,000
AIRCRAFT PHYSICAL _ 400AC -53475 October 1, 2012 -
DAMAGE - ALL RISKS October 1, 2013
Not In-Motion Deductible
2004 Air Tractor AT802A, N419FF $ 250
2009 Air Tractor AT802A. N801 FF $ 250
1988 Air Tractor AT502, N7319V $ 250
1n- Motion Deductible
S 10,000
$ 10,000
$ 10,000
Amount of insurance
S 850,000
S 1,100,000
S 350,000
AERIAL APPLICATOR'S PREMISES
LIABILITY COVERAGE 400AC -53475 October 1, 2012 -
Combined Liability Coverage for October 1, 2013
bodily injury and property damage $ 1,000,000 $ 1.000,000
The policy has been endorsed to cover the use of the aircraft for Aerial Application of Chemiaft, and provides
Comprehensive Chemical Coverage ( "CC") subject to the conditions and exclusions of the policy.
The -Who's covered" section of your policy, under "Your Liability Coverage; shall include Collier County Board of
Commissioners but only for claims of bodily injury, mental anguish or property damage and specifically excluding claims
for personal injury while the Insured aircraft is being operated by the "Policyholder."
This certificate or verification of insurance is not an insurance policy and does not amend, extend or after the coverage
afforded by the policies listed herein. Notwithstanding any requirement, term or condition of any contract or other
document, with respect to which this certificate or verification of insurance may be issued or may pertain, the insurance
afforded by the policies described herein is subject to all terms, exclusions and conditions of such policies.
The Aviation Afanegers of the USAIG (United States Aircraft Insurance Group) agree that in the event of cancellation of
the policy(ies), they will endeavor to give the party to whom this certificate is issued 30 days advance notice of such
cancellation, but the Aviation Managers shall not be liable in any way for failure to give such notice.
UNITED STATES AVIATION UNDERWRITERS, INC., Aviation Marragery
Address: 3575 Piedmont Road, NE, Building 15, Suite 12D0, Atlanta, Georgia 30305
By :3 J 4
David L. McKay, P
Packet Page -698-
F-1 08d-Cart 5 (Rev. 10106)
6mn013 ia,nn.
FLETCHER FLYING
HOT FUELING PROCEDURES
Fletcher Flying Service Adopted 1996. Updated 2013
1000 G Road
Labelle, FL 33935
Purpose: This directive provides specific procedures for Fletcher Flying Service's hot fueling procedures, staff
training for such procedures and specifications for aircraft authorized for such practices.
Hot Fueling Procedures: Fletcher Flying Service follows the FAA guidelines issued for hot fueling and reads
the updated directives and circular and amended FAA regulations to ensure the company is meeting the
highest quality of care in its hot fueling procedures.
Hot fueling procedures use the addendum (attached) to this policy specifically mandating the following: (1) pilot
must remain in aircraft before, during and after hot fueling and at any time aircraft is actively engaged; (2) a
trained Fletcher Flying Service staff member must conduct the hot fueling to the fuel line extension in the
approved aircraft; (3) a second staff member must man all firefighting equipment ready to engage in case of
any accident; and (4) Fletcher Flying must follow not only FAA guidelines but also those of the airport where
the aircraft is located.
Aircraft Specifications for Hot Fueling: The purpose built 600 gallon fuel tank has a 100 foot approved fuel
hose equipped with a dry break connector. The Air Tractor plan is also equipped with a dry break connection
located on the left rear side of the plane. The airplane fuel vents are located at the outboard edge of each
wing. The portable refueling tank is always located behind and to the side of the plan so as to remove any
possibility of contact as plane taxies into loading area and so that all involved in the refueling process hve an
unobstructed view of each other. In addition, our airplanes and refueling equipment are Federally inspect on a
yearly basis by a representative of the office of Aircraft Services and we are issued a card reflecting
satisfactory inspection.
Staff Training: Fletcher Flying Service will conduct updated hot fueling training and a review of all procedures
quarterly and will have each staff member sign off on his /her updated hot fueling training. Fletcher Flying will
keep a copy of the training schedule and one year of training sign -offs by current staff.
Staff will be trained by reviewing the setup of the aircraft and the specifications of the operation and will
conduct a hot fueling during training upon completion of review of the process. Each staff member participating
in hot fueling must also be trained with all fire equipment to ensure safety is a primary focus. Quarterly training
is 30 minutes for existing staff and staff attends a one -hour FAA training annually. For new staff members,
Steve Fletcher, owner of Fletcher Flying, reviews FAA guidelines, fire regulations and hot fueling procedures in
a one hour new -hire training course and management monitors new staff for 90 days to rectify any violations or
issues in hot refueling procedures.
Summary: Safety is Fletcher Flying Service's top concern and FAA guidelines as well as the fueling location's
(airport) guidelines must be strictly adhered to in order to maintain good working relationships with the agency
and airports as well as to maintain current and valuable safety standards. In the addendum to this policy, the
FAA guidelines for hot fueling are attached and are accepted as part of Fletcher Flying Service's adopted hot
fueling standards and procedures.
Distributed by: AFS -200
Packet Page -699-
OPR: AFS -800
6/11/2013 14.A.1.
Q�,;,L Av/1r
,y
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SAFO
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Safety Alert for Operators
U.S. Department
SAFO 10020
of Transportation
DATE: 11/23/10
Federal Aviation
Administration
Flight Standards Service
Washington, DC
Itn: / /www.faa.2ov /other visit/aviation industry /airline onerators /airline safetv /safo
A SAFO contains important safety information and may include recommended action. SAFO content should be especially
valuable to air carriers in meeting their statutory duty to provide service with the highest possible degree of safety in the public
interest. Besides the specific action recommended in a SAFO, an alternative action may be as effective in addressing the safety
issue named in the SAFO.
Subject: 14 CFR, parts 91, 133, and 137 and hot fueling/loading
Purpose: This SAFO highlights current guidance and best- practices for Title 14 Code of Federal
Regulations (14 CFR) parts 91, 133, and 137 operators that conduct fueling or chemical loading with the
engines running (hot fueling/loading).
Background: On May 30, 2009, a Bell 47G -2 helicopter operating under part 137 was being refueled
with the engine running (hot fueling) when the ground crew spilled fuel onto the engine while trying to
untangle a kink in the hose. The helicopter quickly caught fire and the pilot sustained serious injuries as a
result. Additionally, on September 9, 2008, a Bell 206 -B helicopter, operating under part 137, sustained
substantial damage while conducting hot fueling and chemical loading simultaneously. After fueling was
complete, but with the chemical hose still attached, the ground crew mistakenly gave an "all clear" hand
signal to the pilot. As the pilot ascended, the chemical hose caused the helicopter to pitch nose down and
roll to the right, contacting the ground.
Recommended Action: Hot fueling/loading can be extremely hazardous and is not recommended except
when absolutely necessary due to the nature of the operation. Operators who conduct hot fueling/loading
should develop standard operating procedures (SOP) for flight and ground crew personnel. The operator's
procedures should address the following guidelines:
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recommends that hot fueling be conducted only by
aircraft utilizing JET A or JET A -I fuel types. If strict operating procedures are not followed, hot
fueling of aircraft utilizing AvGas can be extremely hazardous due to its low flash point. Aircraft
being fueled while an engine is operating should have all potential ignition sources located above
the fuel inlet port(s) and above fuel vent or tank openings. Sources of ignition include, but are not
limited to: engines, exhausts, auxiliary power units (APU), and combustion -type cabin; heater
exhausts. In accordance with 14 Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR) section 91.9, hot fueling is
not permitted if the Airplane or Rotorcraft Flight Manual contains an associated operating
limitation.
• An appropriately certificated and rated pilot should be at the flight controls during the entire hot
fueling/loading process with controls appropriately adjusted to prevent aircraft movement. The pilot
should unbuckle all restraints, and be prepared to immediately shut -down the engine and egress the
aircraft_ if necessar; . The pilot should not conduct anv extraneous duties d wring hot fuel ing /loading
Distributed by: AFS -200 OPR: AFS -800
Packet Page -700-
6/11/2013 14.A.1.
Other personnel should not be on -board the aircraft during hot fueling/loading.
• Only designated personnel, with proper training in hot fueling/loading operations, should operate
fueling or chemical loading equipment. The operator's written procedures should include:
precautions for safe handling of the fuel or chemical, emergency shutoff procedures, fire
extinguisher use, hand signal use, and precautions regarding moving propeller and rotor blades.
• At least two ground personnel should be present during hot fueling/loading. One person conducts the
fueling/loading, while the other stands by prepared to activate the fuel /chemical emergency shutoff
and handle fire extinguishers if necessary. The aircraft should remain well clear of the fuel source,
and at no time should the aircraft wing or helicopter blades extend over the fueling source
• Before fueling, the aircraft must be bonded to the fuel source to equalize static electricity between
the fuel source and the aircraft. Grounding of the aircraft and /or fuel truck is no longer recommended
because it does not prevent sparks at the fuel source, and the grounding cable may not be sufficient to
discharge the electrical current.
• All doors, windows, and access points allowing entry to the interior of the aircraft that are adjacent to,
or in the immediate vicinity of, the fuel inlet ports should be closed and should remain closed during
fueling operations.
• Fuel should be dispensed into an open port only from approved deadman -type nozzles, with a flow
rate not to exceed '10 gallons per minute (38 'liters per minute). Close port pressure fueling ports are
preferable because the potential for spillage is reduced.
• A fire extinguisher of an appropriate type and size for the fueling operation must be within easy
reach of ground personnel at all times during hot fueling operations. Operators who conduct hot
fueling should also equip the aircraft with a fire extinguisher in the cockpit, if possible.
• When fueling/loading is complete, the pilot must ensure that the seatbelt and shoulder harness are
properly re-secured as necessary prior to any aircraft movement.
• Operators should include this SAFO in initial and recurrent training programs for pilots and ground
personnel.
References:
• Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) — Helicopter Rapid Refueling,
• AC 00 -34A, Aircraft Ground Handling and Servicing,
• National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) 407, Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing,
• Include review of this SAFO in initial and recurrent training, and flight reviews.
Contact: Questions or comments concerning this SAFO can be directed to the General Aviation and
Commercial Division, AFS -800, via phone at 202 - 267 -8212.
Distributed by: AFS -200
Packet Page -701-
OPR: AFS -800