Fuel Quality Control

• Fuel quality control is the process of ensuring that the aviation fuel delivered to aircraft meets the standards and specifications required by the industry and the regulatory authorities.
• Fuel quality control involves testing, sampling, filtering, monitoring, and documenting the fuel at every stage of the supply chain, from the refinery to the aircraft.
• Fuel quality control aims to prevent fuel contamination, degradation, and misfueling, which can cause serious safety and operational issues for aircraft.

• FBOs are responsible for storing, handling, and dispensing aviation fuel to aircraft at airports.
• FBOs must ensure that the fuel they receive, store, and deliver is clean, dry, and on-specification, and that it meets the requirements of the aircraft manufacturers, operators, and customers.
• FBOs must also comply with the applicable regulations, standards, and best practices for fuel quality control, such as those issued by the FAA, ASTM, IATA, and NFPA.
• FBOs that perform fuel quality control can enhance their reputation, customer satisfaction, and safety performance, and avoid potential liabilities, fines, and penalties.

The best practices for fuel quality control for FBOs include:

• Establishing and implementing a fuel quality control program that covers all aspects of fuel receipt, storage, handling, and delivery.
• Training and certifying all personnel involved in fuel operations on the proper procedures, equipment, and safety measures for fuel quality control.
• Conducting regular inspections, tests, and audits of the fuel system, equipment, and documentation, and maintaining records of the results.
• Using approved and calibrated equipment and tools for fuel sampling, testing, filtering, and dispensing, and following the manufacturer's instructions for their maintenance and calibration.
• Following the recommended frequency and methods for fuel sampling and testing, and using the appropriate standards and specifications for evaluating the fuel quality.
• Implementing corrective actions and preventive measures for any fuel quality issues or discrepancies, and reporting them to the relevant authorities and parties.
• Keeping the fuel storage tanks and dispensing vehicles clean, dry, and free of water, dirt, debris, and microbial growth.
• Using proper fuel identification and labeling systems, and ensuring that the fuel type and grade match the aircraft requirements and customer requests.
• Following the industry guidelines and best practices for fuel quality control, such as the ATA Spec 103, the IATA Fuel Quality Control and Management Standards, and the NFPA 407.
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