TS122 Rapid Refueling Document

Issue date: November 11, 2019

INTRODUCTION

Most skydiving operations with turbine aircraft engage in the practice of rapid refueling (refueling while the engines are running). The economic problems and the thermal stress on turbine engines as a result of frequently shutting down and starting back up again are obvious to any skydiving airplane operator.

This document was prepared from input from fire protection agencies and drop zones with active rapid refueling programs to standardize the procedures used for rapid refueling. A correctly written manual designed from the concepts presented here may help to reassure local authorities that rapid refueling can be performed safely in the proper environment.

This is not a rapid refueling manual. Refer to the accompanying Rapid Refueling Manual from Skydive City, Zephyrhills, Florida, as sample for developing a rapid refueling manual for your operation. Each operation will have different needs and considerations, so procedures will vary. Each operator must develop procedures specifically to meet the needs of that operation.

This Parachute Industry Association (PIA) Technical Standard is recognized by the PIA as an accurate description of practices accepted in the field as standard among operators who engage in rapid refueling. However, rapid refueling involves inherent risks, including but not limited to increased fire hazard and risk of personnel or equipment coming into contact with the spinning aircraft propeller. Any operator who undertakes to rapid refuel that operation’s aircraft must prepare and document procedures to reduce the additional risks associated with rapid refueling and must accept full responsibility for any accident that may occur.

PIA neither recommends nor endorses the practice of rapid refueling.

PIA recognizes rapid refueling as a common skydiving industry practice that can be safely performed within a conscientiously designed, documented, and applied program. PIA accepts no liability for any accident that results from the procedures described or alluded to herein.