In Australia required water checks at the start of the day and after each refuelling are covered by
CAO 20.2.
About three years ago, the CAO was ammended to read:
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" size="2">5 FUEL SYSTEM INSPECTION
5.1-The operator and pilot in command shall ensure that the following inspections and tests for the presence of water in the fuel system of the aircraft are made:
either:
(i) if
(A) the aircraft manufacturer’s data specifies the manner in which inspections and tests for the presence of water in the aircraft’s fuel system are to be made; and
(B) the data has been approved under regulation 42M of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 as part of the aircraft’s system of maintenance;
an inspection and test in accordance with the approved data; or
(ii) in any other case—before the start of each day’s flying, and after each refuelling, with the aircraft standing on a reasonably level surface, drain a small quantity of fuel from each fuel tank into a clear transparent container and check by an approved method for the presence of water.</font>
For most Avtur fuelled aircraft the manufacturer recommends a check at the start of the day only, as after pressure refuelling any water in the fuel remains in suspension for too long to make a water paste test effective, and the pellet and syringe tests are too sensitive for aircraft use.
We used to do these drains after each refuelling on the 146, but stopped about three years ago when the CAO changed. Now the drains are done in the morning by engineering as the aircraft is placed on the line.
[This message has been edited by Checkboard (edited 28 May 2001).]