by Marshall Astor – Food Fetishist

Aircraft Refueling Schools and Programs

The successful career in aircraft refueling ultimately requires solid knowledge of permissible conditions of aircraft fueling, which includes measures that must be taken in case of a failure to keep to the requirements. E.g. if a spill occurs, refueling should be stopped with the airport fire department notified.

In the modern world aviation has become one of the major means of transportation. Aircraft is used for commercial and military purposes, in industry and agriculture. This presupposes the importance of refueling technologies, as the supply of clean fuel to aircraft is relevant to the operation of the aircraft to allow continued operability. Modern refueling technologies include diverse techniques ranging from man portable systems to the complicated systems of marine and aerial refueling.

Degree Programs in Aircraft Refueling

The easiest way to study aircraft refueling is to attend a training course, provided by the employer while hiring aircraft refuelers. The specialization can also be studied within the bounds of a more general education in aviation engineering or maintenance. Below is a short list of institutions where the specialization can be studied.

1. Smith System Driver Institute

This Smith System institute in Texas, though not specialized in aviation, offers a training course for aircraft refuelers, called the Airside Defensive Driver Training. The program has gained excellent responses, concerning the great number of aircraft refuelers who attended the course, and its achievements in minimization of aircraft refueling accidents.

2.

Virginia Technical University

One of the ways to study aircraft refueling is to enroll for an Aerospace Engineering degree at Virginia Technical University. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate studies. Among numerous subjects studied there are a number of subjects connected with aircraft power systems. They are structural mechanics, energy systems and others.

3. National Aviation Academy

Located in Massachusetts, the Academy provides globally recognized maintenance training. Its curriculum is approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. The training course is designed for FAA certification as an Airframe and Powerplant Technician. Students enrolled learn during the course of studies about aircraft fuel systems, engines, fuel metering systems and other subjects, relevant to the profession of aircraft refueling.

Aircraft refueling specialists conduct pre-operational checks, operate various refueling equipment and perform all the safety procedures required. They posses thorough knowledge of the equipment used for these purposes and are able to identify and settle technical problems and defects.

In some cases aircraft refueling specialists perform defueling of airplanes by pumping excess fuel.

What will be taught during the course of studies?

The qualification of a specialist in aircraft refueling requires a large amount of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

All that can be acquired at aircraft refueling courses. Students enrolled for such courses, acquire the necessary skiils in:

• to identify relevant grade of fuel for aircraft type;
• to operate various equipment for aircraft refueling;
• to carry out fuel testing, filtering;
• factors affecting fuel consumption;
• standards and regulations in aircraft refueling;
• safety requirements;
• quality control of fuel depots;
• types of fuel (e.g. commercial fuel, fuel used for military purposes or in cold weather, obsolete);
• fuel quality and storage requirements;
• systems of aircraft refueling.
At the courses students are taught:
• to read and interpret instructions;
• to provide proper storage conditions and means of prevention damage to fuel (icing and corrosion inhibitors, biocides);
• to carry out pre- and post-refueling operations;
• to prepare documentation concerning aircraft refueling.

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