I have a aerial applicator (Crop Duster) on my field that has in the past "Hot Fueled." Our current rules and regulations forbid this type of fueling at this time. Does anyone else have a crop duster on their field, and if so, do you allow hot fueling and what are your procedures.
This operator has their own fuel trailer that they fill the planes with and they operate from a staging area that is far away from any other operators and the main parking ramp. Their aircraft use jet fuel and the operator has a "single-Point" nozzle for refueling.
The FAA has been little help on this when we contacted them about this and we are looking into possibly allowing the type of operation if it is considered the industry standard for Crop Dusters and Fire Fighting aircraft.
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Log in to leave a comment or Create an accountI would think that "hot fueling" would be allowed on fields that are equipped with an ARFF department. If there are ever any aircraft on our field that are to be fueled this way, they are required to contact ARFF so they can have a truck standing-by on scene whenever the fueling takes place. At least that's my experience with "hot fueling." I've never witnessed it, but I believe that's our SOP.
IMHO hot fueling should only be permitted by those that have a demonstrated need to do so like firefighting, LEO and medical operators. In the case of crop dusters, it may be more convenient for them but I don't see any real need. If you decide to allow it, strigent and specific rules should be in place and enforced.
BTW, NFPA 407 specifically prohibits hot fueling on fixed wing aircraft. If you adopt that as your fueling standard you won't have to argue with anyone about it.
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