Aircraft Fueling Safety Procedure Checklist [FREE PDF]

Aircraft fueling operations are governed by FAA 14 CFR Part 139 and NFPA 407, which establish strict requirements for fuel handling, equipment integrity, bonding procedures, and fire prevention on airport ramps. Non-compliance can result in catastrophic fire hazards, airport certification violations, and significant civil penalties. This checklist ensures fueling crews follow standardized safety procedures on every fueling event to protect personnel, aircraft, and airport infrastructure.

Industry: Airport Operations
Frequency: Per Event
Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
Role: Ramp Supervisor
Total Items: 34
Compliance: FAA 14 CFR Part 139.321 - Handling and Storing of Hazardous Substances, NFPA 407 Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing (2017 Edition), IATA Ground Operations Manual Chapter 14 - Fueling, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 - Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals, FAA Advisory Circular AC 00-34A - Aircraft Ground Handling and Servicing

Pre-Fueling Equipment Inspection

Verify all fueling equipment is in safe, serviceable condition before beginning fueling operations.

Is the fuel truck or hydrant cart free from visible leaks, damaged hoses, or defective couplings?
Are all fueling hoses within their certified inspection date and free from cracks or abrasions?
Is the fuel truck's dead-man control (automatic shutoff) operational?
Are fire extinguishers on the fueling vehicle charged and within inspection date?
Is the fuel quantity and grade verified against the aircraft fueling order?

Bonding and Grounding

Ensure proper electrostatic bonding and grounding connections are established to prevent static discharge ignition.

Has the bonding cable been attached from the fueling vehicle to the aircraft before any fuel caps are opened?
Is the bonding cable free from fraying, broken conductors, or damaged clamps?
Has the fueling vehicle been grounded to an approved grounding point if required by site conditions?
Is bonding maintained throughout the entire fueling operation until fuel caps are replaced and secured?

PPE and Safety Zone Compliance

Confirm proper personal protective equipment is worn and safety exclusion zones are established.

Are all fueling personnel wearing fire-resistant (FR) clothing as required?
Are fueling personnel wearing appropriate gloves and eye protection?
Has a 10-foot exclusion zone been established and communicated around the fueling operation?
Are all ignition sources (cell phones, non-intrinsically safe radios, open flames) removed from the fueling zone?
Is the aircraft positioned so fueling can proceed without ground equipment blocking emergency egress routes?

Fuel Quality Verification

Confirm fuel quality checks are performed to prevent misfueling or contaminated fuel delivery.

Has a fuel sample been taken from the fueling vehicle sump and inspected for water and particulate contamination?
Does the fuel color and appearance match the expected grade (e.g., straw-colored for Jet-A)?
Has the fuel density or specific gravity been verified within acceptable limits?
Are fueling vehicle filter differential pressure readings within manufacturer-specified limits?
Has the correct fuel type been confirmed on both the fueling vehicle placard and the aircraft fuel port?

Active Fueling Operation

Monitor and verify compliance during the active fuel transfer phase.

Is fuel flow being monitored continuously to detect unexpected shutoffs or pressure anomalies?
Is the fueling nozzle properly seated and locked into the aircraft fueling receptacle?
Is the fuel quantity being delivered monitored against the authorized uplift amount?
Has the aircraft been confirmed chocked and with parking brake set prior to and during fueling?
Is fueling being conducted in accordance with the aircraft manufacturer's approved fueling sequence?

Post-Fueling Completion and Documentation

Confirm all post-fueling steps are completed, area is cleared, and records are properly documented.

Have all fuel caps been properly installed, torqued, and visually verified secure?
Has the bonding cable been removed only after all fuel caps are secured and the nozzle is disconnected?
Has the ramp area been inspected for fuel spills and is the area clear of fuel odor before releasing the aircraft?
Has the fueling record been completed with aircraft registration, fuel type, quantity, and operator signature?
Have any equipment defects, spills, or safety concerns observed during fueling been reported and documented?
Additional notes or corrective actions required?

Emergency Preparedness Verification

Confirm fueling crew is prepared for emergency response scenarios specific to fueling operations.

Are fueling personnel trained and current in fuel spill emergency response procedures?
Is the emergency fuel shutoff location known and accessible to all fueling crew members?
Is the spill containment kit on the fueling vehicle stocked and accessible?
Has the airport fire department emergency contact number been confirmed and is it posted in the fueling vehicle?

Related Aviation Checklists

Why Use This Aircraft Fueling Safety Procedure Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This aircraft fueling safety procedure checklist [free pdf] helps airport operations teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for ramp supervisor professionals, this checklist covers 34 critical inspection points across 7 sections. Recommended frequency: per event.

Ensures compliance with FAA 14 CFR Part 139.321 - Handling and Storing of Hazardous Substances, NFPA 407 Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing (2017 Edition), IATA Ground Operations Manual Chapter 14 - Fueling, OSHA 29 CFR 1910.119 - Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals, FAA Advisory Circular AC 00-34A - Aircraft Ground Handling and Servicing. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Aircraft Fueling Safety Procedure Checklist [FREE PDF] cover?

This checklist covers 34 inspection items across 7 sections: Pre-Fueling Equipment Inspection, Bonding and Grounding, PPE and Safety Zone Compliance, Fuel Quality Verification, Active Fueling Operation, Post-Fueling Completion and Documentation, Emergency Preparedness Verification. It is designed for airport operations operations and compliance.

How often should this checklist be completed?

This checklist should be completed per event. Each completion takes approximately 20-30 minutes.

Who should use this Aircraft Fueling Safety Procedure Checklist [FREE PDF]?

This checklist is designed for Ramp Supervisor professionals in the airport operations industry. It can be used for self-assessments, team audits, and regulatory compliance documentation.

Can I download this checklist as a PDF?

Yes, this checklist is available as a free PDF download. You can also use it digitally in the POPProbe mobile app for real-time data capture, photo documentation, and automatic reporting.