Aircraft Fueling and De-icing Operations Flashcards
7 cards from real AIRPORT EMPLOYEE practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Aircraft Fueling and De-icing Operations flashcards as text
Who has the final authority to certify that an aircraft is airworthy following de-icing and safe to depart?
Answer: The aircraft captain (pilot in command)
The aircraft captain (pilot in command) bears final responsibility under FAA regulations for ensuring the aircraft is airworthy, including confirming it is free of contamination before departure.
What is the purpose of a fuel density check performed before fueling an aircraft?
Answer: To convert fuel volume to weight for accurate flight planning
A fuel density check determines the specific gravity of the fuel, allowing fuelers to accurately convert gallons to pounds or kilograms, which pilots require for weight and balance calculations.
What is the maximum freeze point specification for standard Jet-A fuel?
Answer: -47°C (-52.6°F)
Jet-A fuel has a maximum freeze point specification of -47°C (-52.6°F), below which fuel begins to crystallize and could block filters and fuel lines, creating an engine hazard.
Which organizations jointly establish de-icing fluid specifications and regulations in the United States?
Answer: FAA and SAE International
The FAA regulates de-icing practices and procedures in the US, while SAE International publishes the technical AMS standards that define the specifications for Type I through Type IV de-icing fluids.
What quality control check must fueling personnel perform at the start of each fueling shift?
Answer: Sump fuel trucks and inspect samples for water and sediment
At the start of each shift, fueling personnel must sump (drain samples from) fuel trucks and storage tanks and visually inspect for water, sediment, and correct color to ensure fuel quality standards are met.
What does the acronym 'HOT' stand for in winter aircraft operations?
Answer: Holdover Time
HOT stands for Holdover Time, the FAA-tabulated estimate of how long anti-icing fluid will protect aircraft critical surfaces from new ice or snow accumulation under specific weather conditions.
What is the primary environmental concern associated with aircraft de-icing operations at airports?
Answer: Contamination of local waterways from glycol-based fluid runoff
Glycol-based de-icing fluids that wash off aircraft and enter storm drains can severely deplete dissolved oxygen in waterways, harming aquatic life, which is why many airports operate glycol collection and recycling systems.