Taxiing too close to a refuelling aircraft

[AirlinePirate]

What's the minimum distance you can taxi an aircraft past another aircraft that is refuelling? The CAOs dont seem to specify, but it stands to reason there has to be a safety limitation.

CAO 20.9 4.1.1 During fuelling operations, the aircraft and ground fuelling equipment shall be so located that no fuel tank filling points or vent outlets lie:
(a) within 5 metres (17 ft) of any sealed building; and
(b) within 6 metres (20 ft) of other stationary aircraft; and
(c) within 15 metres (50 ft) of any exposed public area; and
(d) within 15 metres (50 ft) of any unsealed building in the case of aircraft with a maximum take-off weight in excess of 5 700 kg (12 566 lb) and
(e) within 9 metres (30 ft) of any unsealed building in the case of aircraft with a maximum take-off weight not exceeding 5 700 kg (12 566 lb).


What about a moving aircraft??

4.4.3 A person shall not, and the pilot in command and the operator shall take reasonable steps to ensure that a person does not, during fuelling operations:
(b) except in the case of aircraft, operate an internal combustion engine or any electrical switch, battery, generator, motor or other electrical apparatus within 15 metres (50 ft) of the aircraft’s fuel tank filling points or vent outlets, and ground fuelling equipment unless the engine, switch, generator, motor or apparatus complies with the provisions of Appendix I to this Order and has been inspected.


Why not in the case of aircraft?? I presume this means the aircraft's own engine, but what about another aircraft taxiing past you??

[ZappBrannigan]

Why not in the case of aircraft?? I presume this means the aircraft's own engine, but what about another aircraft taxiing past you??I'd say this means other non-aircraft engines near you. You need 6 metres from stationary aircraft while refuelling, and this stationary aircraft can start its engine(s) without breaching 4.4.3 if it's 6+ metres away.

As for minimum taxi distance, it's not really specified. Those regs only mention "stationary aircraft" and engines not beloning to aircraft. Although the "stationary" bit might simply be due to the fact the person conducting the fuelling can't be responsible for aircraft movements near their aircraft - but they can be responsible for separation from parked aircraft.

Taxiing within 6 metres might technically be legal - although if you bring the aircraft to a stop, it's immediately illegal :)

[MakeItHappenCaptain]

Read the CAO further...
CAO 20.9
5.1.4
An aircraft engine shall not be started or operated within:
b) 8 metres (25 ft) of any other aircraft

[ZappBrannigan]

Thanks, everyone can ignore my crap response now.

[Lasiorhinus]

Read the CAO further...
CAO 20.9
5.1.4
An aircraft engine shall not be started or operated within:
b) 8 metres (25 ft) of any other aircraft


I admit I'd have expected there to be more stringent requirements if the other aircraft was being refuelled at the time... maybe that's the only limit?

[Mr.Buzzy]

A safe distance!

Unless of course you'd like to start pacing out these bull**** numbers!

bbbbbbbbbbbbbbbbzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

[flywatcher]

Does that imply that you could legally taxi into the hangar?

[VH-XXX]

NEVER taxi into a hangar. ALWAYS coast in their with your excess momentum as you shut down the mixture and make sure your door is open and your foot almost on the ground as the aircraft rolls to a stop :) (in a high wing)