CASA updates aircraft refuelling rules

CASA has advised that a generally accepted safety measure in the recommended aircraft refuelling process will be dropped.

Currently the rules require aircraft and refuelling equipment to be grounded during fuelling operations where a suitable earth point is available. They also require the aircraft and all items of refuelling equipment – including drums, funnels and other loose items – to be connected so they have the same electrical potential. This is to avoid the build up of static electricity which could ignite fuel vapours.

However, in simplifying and updating its safety rules covering aircraft refuelling CASA has decided to follow international best practice and drop the earthing requirement.

International best practice in refuelling operations highlights the importance of correctly bonding aircraft and equipment to prevent static electricity. However, the practice of earthing during refuelling is no longer accepted as necessary.

Australian aircraft refuellers have accepted the standard that does not require earthing and this has been common practice for some years by air operators that have gained exemption from CASA to the rules contained in Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 20.9.

Bu the regulator is now saying that the process of applying for exemption is an administrative burden for the aviation industry and itself, as well as imposing additional costs.

“Consequences of no action are the administrative burden for both the industry and CASA and the unnecessary cost to the industry of providing exemptions to operators,” CASA Project OS 11/06 states. “In the worst case there could be a hazardous situation should an operator earth the aircraft and fuelling equipment in accordance with the CAO requirement.”

CASA has set up a project to amend the Civil Aviation Order to no longer require earthing during refuelling. To read more click here.