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Do they refuel commercial planes in the air?
The cost of the refueling equipment on both tanker and receiver aircraft and the specialized aircraft handling of the aircraft to be refueled (very close “line astern” formation flying) has resulted in the activity only being used in military operations. There is no known regular civilian in-flight refueling activity.
How long does it take to refuel a commercial plane?
The average fuel stop takes 45 – 60 minutes. To speed up fuel stops, the operator or pilots may call ahead so a fuel truck is waiting for the aircraft on arrival. For smaller jets, a fuel stop can take as little as 30 minutes.
Under what conditions may an aircraft be refueled with passengers on board?
When any fuel of a quantity likely to create a fire hazard is spilled on or within 15 m (50 ft) of the aircraft or ground fuelling equipment, the pilot in command or, in his absence, the operator, shall ensure that: passengers on board—embarking or disembarking—are moved 15 m (50 ft) from spilled fuel.
How long does it take to fill an airplane with fuel?
On large, transoceanic aircraft, there may be two carts fueling at once. It takes about 45 minutes to one hour to fuel the aircraft, and the process begins no later than 90 minutes before the flight. (At 80 minutes, an airline’s operations team will call the fuel team to check in; chop chop!)
What is a fueling safety zone?
3m radius Fuel Safety Zone, during fueling operations: – This zone extends from aircraft fuel tank vents and refuel adaptor points. – No ignition sources are allowed in this zone. – This zone extends down to the ground during fueling operations. – Driving restrictions apply during fueling operations.
How long does it take to refuel a Boeing 777?
It doesn’t matter how quickly the other processes are achieved, as they won’t bring down the time. In the case of an en-route turn around of the Boeing 777-9, the critical path is fueling the aircraft. Boeing estimates that it will take 24 minutes to fuel the plane with 25,000 gallons (94635 liters).
Is it normal to refuel with passengers onboard?
Refueling with passengers onboard is quite normal and is done according to the recommendations of regulatory bodies/manufacturers and operators. Refueling with some fuel types are not permitted, while others are. From Airbus Flight Operations Briefing notes:
Can a plane be refueled with wide cut gasoline?
Refueling with some fuel types are not permitted, while others are. From Airbus Flight Operations Briefing notes: Refueling with wide cut gasoline type fuel (JET B, JP4 or equivalent) or when a mixture with these types of fuel might occur, is not permitted with passengers boarding, on board or disembarking.
Can a plane be refueled with kerosene?
Refueling with Kerosene (JET A, JET A1 JP8, TS1, RT, TH or equivalent, as approved by the approved Aircraft Flight Manual), is allowed when passengers are boarding, on board, or disembarking. Some precautions are required to be followed in case refueling is done with passengers on board. The announcement you heard is simply following that.