In mobile fueling operations, what is the recommended grounding sequence?

In mobile fueling operations, what is the recommended grounding sequence?

• A. Ground aircraft, then the truck, then aircraft, then truck
• B. Ground the truck first, then aircraft, then truck, then aircraft
• C. Only ground the aircraft
• D. Ground the nozzle to the ground

Answer: (A)

Grounding and bonding during fueling is all about keeping every metal part at the same electrical potential to prevent a static spark in a flammable environment. The sequence that starts by grounding the aircraft establishes a solid earth reference on the largest conductive surface. Next grounding the truck ties the fueling vehicle into that same reference, creating a common bond between the two major pieces of equipment. Re-grounding the aircraft ensures that any temporary loss of contact during hose handling or movement doesn’t leave the aircraft floating with a different potential. Finally grounding the truck again preserves the continuous bond as fueling proceeds and until everything is disconnected. Grounding only the aircraft or simply grounding the nozzle without ensuring the truck and aircraft share a common bond could leave part of the system ungrounded, allowing charge to build up and potentially causing a spark.

Grounding and bonding during fueling is all about keeping every metal part at the same electrical potential to prevent a static spark in a flammable environment. The sequence that starts by grounding the aircraft establishes a solid earth reference on the largest conductive surface. Next grounding the truck ties the fueling vehicle into that same reference, creating a common bond between the two major pieces of equipment. Re-grounding the aircraft ensures that any temporary loss of contact during hose handling or movement doesn’t leave the aircraft floating with a different potential. Finally grounding the truck again preserves the continuous bond as fueling proceeds and until everything is disconnected.

Grounding only the aircraft or simply grounding the nozzle without ensuring the truck and aircraft share a common bond could leave part of the system ungrounded, allowing charge to build up and potentially causing a spark.