Fri, Dec 03, 2010
Procedure Not Recommended Unless "Absolutely Necessary"
A fire which began while a helicopter was being refueled while
the engine was still running has prompted the FAA to issue a SAFO
directed at part 91, 133, and 137 operators that conduct fueling or
chemical loading with the engines running (hot
fueling/loading).
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.
The SAFO indicates that 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, and procedures should address
the following guidelines:
- The 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 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 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.
The FAA recommends that operators should include this SAFO in
initial and recurrent training programs for pilots and ground
personnel.
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