AIRPORT EMPLOYEE Aircraft Fueling and De-icing Operations 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What type of fuel do most commercial jet aircraft use at US airports?
- Avgas 100LL
- Jet-A (Correct answer)
- Jet-B
- Diesel
Correct answer: Jet-A
Jet-A is the standard kerosene-based turbine fuel used by commercial jet aircraft at US airports, characterized by its high flash point and low freeze point.
Question 2: Before connecting a fuel hose to an aircraft, what is the primary safety step to prevent static discharge ignition?
- Check wind direction
- Bond the fuel truck to the aircraft with a grounding cable (Correct answer)
- Open all fuel caps simultaneously
- Notify the flight crew via interphone
Correct answer: Bond the fuel truck to the aircraft with a grounding cable
Bonding the fuel vehicle to the aircraft equalizes electrical potential between the two, eliminating the risk of a static spark that could ignite fuel vapors.
Question 3: Which color identifies Jet-A fuel dispensing equipment at US airports?
- Red
- Blue
- Black (Correct answer)
- Green
Correct answer: Black
Black is the standard color coding for Jet-A fuel hoses, nozzles, and fuel trucks at US airports to help prevent dangerous misfueling with other fuel types.
Question 4: What is a 'deadman control' on a fuel nozzle?
- A fuel shut-off valve operated remotely by the pilot
- A spring-loaded handle that automatically stops fuel flow when released (Correct answer)
- An emergency beacon on the fuel truck
- A fuel quantity gauge on the dispensing panel
Correct answer: A spring-loaded handle that automatically stops fuel flow when released
A deadman control is a spring-loaded handle on the fueling nozzle that automatically stops fuel flow when released, preventing uncontrolled fuel spills if the operator loses control.
Question 5: During aircraft fueling operations, which action is strictly prohibited within 50 feet of the aircraft?
- Using handheld two-way radios
- Operating the fuel truck engine
- Smoking or use of open flames (Correct answer)
- Wearing high-visibility safety vests
Correct answer: Smoking or use of open flames
Smoking and open flames are strictly prohibited within 50 feet of an aircraft during fueling because fuel vapors are highly flammable and could be ignited, causing a fire or explosion.
Question 6: What is the primary purpose of drawing a fuel sample (sump check) before fueling an aircraft?
- To measure the fuel temperature
- To detect water and sediment contamination (Correct answer)
- To verify the fuel octane rating
- To measure the remaining fuel quantity
Correct answer: To detect water and sediment contamination
A sump check draws fuel from the lowest point of the fuel tank or truck to visually inspect for water (appearing as droplets or cloudiness) and sediment that could damage aircraft engines.
Question 7: Under what atmospheric condition must outdoor aircraft fueling operations be immediately suspended?
- Temperatures below 32°F (0°C)
- Winds exceeding 5 mph
- Active lightning within the immediate airport area (Correct answer)
- Light or moderate rain
Correct answer: Active lightning within the immediate airport area
Fueling must be suspended during nearby lightning activity because an electrical discharge near fuel vapors creates an extreme fire and explosion hazard.
AIRPORT EMPLOYEE Aircraft Fueling and De-icing Operations 1
What type of fuel do most commercial jet aircraft use at US airports?