Refuelling From Drums
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,864
Likes: 5
From: in the classroom of life
Rumour has it that is how a Cirrus wound up going for a swim in the Whitsundays just recently
.
May not be true.....but it sounds plausable.
So DF.... why no drums for your place after BP pulled the pump ops out?
.May not be true.....but it sounds plausable.
So DF.... why no drums for your place after BP pulled the pump ops out?
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,865
Likes: 50
From: Next door to the neighbor from hell, who believes in chemtrails!
So DF.... why no drums for your place after BP pulled the pump ops out?
Something to do with aerodrome regulations/insurance, & the aerodrome owners not wanting to put up the necessary hazchem signs & supply fire extinguishers. Had a Skyfuel semi parked in the compound a few weeks ago with around 17,000 litres of Jet A1 in it for the Fugro C-212 that was operating in the area. Ya think I wasn't p****d off about that?! 
DF.
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 84
Likes: 0
From: Aust.
As somebody sensible already said it aint rocket science..... all the , "must do this and must not do", that comes from those who have barely done it !
Have fuelled from drums / IBC's etc. using rotary hand pumps , electric pumps , diesel pumps , petrol powered pumps etc. etc. as have all bushies.
Simply use common sense know the source and use a filter.
multiple 20lt roundup drums in the hopper are also good for extending ferry/working range....
Have fuelled from drums / IBC's etc. using rotary hand pumps , electric pumps , diesel pumps , petrol powered pumps etc. etc. as have all bushies.
Simply use common sense know the source and use a filter.
multiple 20lt roundup drums in the hopper are also good for extending ferry/working range....
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 279
Likes: 23
From: Earth
Its easiest to move drums using a goods trolley (with a strap to hold on the drum). That way you get a tilt on the drum as well as keeping it vertical.
If you can't access a goods trolley, forget the idea of rolling a full drum (180Kg) it on its edge.
Kick it over onto the ground and roll it along, accepting the fact that you will mix up any water/mud/rust etc inside, so do this as soon as you shut down to give it max settling time.
To pick it up, don't pull it up with your arms, you'll blow your back. Instead, kneel in front of the top with your knees on the ground, push your chest (or your tits) into the top and lock it there with your arms, then push foward with your legs - this rotates the drum upright using leg power only. You'll need to trap the bottom lower lip of the drum so it doesn't slide. You're wearing cargo pants and brown shirt ?
Unless you know for a fact that the pump is in good condition and for aviation use only, bring your own. You'll find Farmer Fred's pump is full of diesal oil, sand, and sheep drench. A rag stuffed into the hose and the spear will keep most dirt out, but Rarely Dble Amber's advice is spot on.
Wipe dust off the spear before inserting.
Pump the first couple of liters into a clean container (usually your own that you have brought along) to check for any junk.
Practise all the drum stuff before you go out and do it for real on a charter the first time, because then you'll be pushed for time and fumbling with the pax watching. This includes getting tools to open the bungs and rope to tie open the nozzle in the fuel cap.
Regardless of whats on the drum, test the fuel with dunny paper. Yep. Get some fuel out of the pump onto the dunny paper. If it dries clear and dry as before, it AVGAS. If it has a greasy translucent appearence, you've got some/all JET, diesal, etc.
If you can't access a goods trolley, forget the idea of rolling a full drum (180Kg) it on its edge.
Kick it over onto the ground and roll it along, accepting the fact that you will mix up any water/mud/rust etc inside, so do this as soon as you shut down to give it max settling time.
To pick it up, don't pull it up with your arms, you'll blow your back. Instead, kneel in front of the top with your knees on the ground, push your chest (or your tits) into the top and lock it there with your arms, then push foward with your legs - this rotates the drum upright using leg power only. You'll need to trap the bottom lower lip of the drum so it doesn't slide. You're wearing cargo pants and brown shirt ?
Unless you know for a fact that the pump is in good condition and for aviation use only, bring your own. You'll find Farmer Fred's pump is full of diesal oil, sand, and sheep drench. A rag stuffed into the hose and the spear will keep most dirt out, but Rarely Dble Amber's advice is spot on.
Wipe dust off the spear before inserting.
Pump the first couple of liters into a clean container (usually your own that you have brought along) to check for any junk.
Practise all the drum stuff before you go out and do it for real on a charter the first time, because then you'll be pushed for time and fumbling with the pax watching. This includes getting tools to open the bungs and rope to tie open the nozzle in the fuel cap.
Regardless of whats on the drum, test the fuel with dunny paper. Yep. Get some fuel out of the pump onto the dunny paper. If it dries clear and dry as before, it AVGAS. If it has a greasy translucent appearence, you've got some/all JET, diesal, etc.
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,864
Likes: 5
From: in the classroom of life
Oh dear, you are right of course. There is one sitting on the floor of my office. I eventually found it after Jaba lost it!
Unfortunately I am 600 nm from my office.
Unfortunately I am 600 nm from my office.
..... or wherever else you hide things
J
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 31
Likes: 6
From: Gainesville, GA USA
I know this is an old thread but there's not a lot of information out there about drum refueling and other other related/similar methods. Will y'all shoot me for necromancing the thread? 
I have an idea that might help people that are doing this now, but I need to learn more about the process as a whole, where it's done, how the drums get delivered, etc.
I have an idea that might help people that are doing this now, but I need to learn more about the process as a whole, where it's done, how the drums get delivered, etc.
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 278
From: Melbourne, Victoria
Simple..
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 31
Likes: 6
From: Gainesville, GA USA
Probably. Only we don't have any weapons that will reach you, so you might be lucky.
There's nothing much to know: the drums turn up on the back of a truck, they get wheeled out to the aircraft, you undo the bungs (both of them), you put the spear in the big hole and screw it tight, you poke the hose into your tank, you winda the handle and the fuel comes out.
Simple..
There's nothing much to know: the drums turn up on the back of a truck, they get wheeled out to the aircraft, you undo the bungs (both of them), you put the spear in the big hole and screw it tight, you poke the hose into your tank, you winda the handle and the fuel comes out.
Simple..
In remote locations, are they airdropped? Or flown in? Or both depending on the need?
And then in that case, stored somewhere nearby perhaps until they are needed?
Do they have equipment onhand that is used to move the drums from storage to the plane, etc? (like an ATV or other equipment maybe)
I'm thinking bush pilots and the like. I know I've talked to one up in Alaska for instance that shared his thoughts with me. Just looking for a bigger sample.
I have an idea that might be helpful and I'm trying to determine that....
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 278
From: Melbourne, Victoria
A tractor, a ute, a 4x4, a few locals.. Whatever is needed to get the job done.
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 31
Likes: 6
From: Gainesville, GA USA
Would it be frowned upon to share what I've built here? My goal is not to spam anything up. I'm just trying to figure out if what I built to solve my problem fueling my boat, and what quite a few pilots are using to fuel their GA planes and at least one bush pilot in Alaska as well, would be useful more broadly out there. That Alaska pilot fueled from drums beforehand. His words, not mine.... 'this is 1000x better than what we were doing before'.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 6,152
Likes: 1,264
From: Australia/India
You're on a Downunda forum.
Stop stuffing around and just reveal your bright idea, warts and all. If you're trying to whip up some wide-eyed excitement at the prospect of the latest K-Tel Wonder Widget, you're in the wrong place.
Stop stuffing around and just reveal your bright idea, warts and all. If you're trying to whip up some wide-eyed excitement at the prospect of the latest K-Tel Wonder Widget, you're in the wrong place.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 1
From: Australia
Thought my drum fueling days were over, but alas . . .
If you are using a hand pump, the most important thing to remember is you may need to wind the handle quickly, initially, to prime the pump. In some cases (especially when a drum is half-empty and gravity is not assisting as much as it does with a full tank), winding slowly may not prime and hence you may think the pump is broken when it's not.
Make sure to wind in the right direction! (Usually clockwise)
Many hand pumps deliver a standard 1 litre per turn – check the pump to see how much each turn delivers so you can calculate how much to pump into each wing (saves having to remove the spike to check the barrel with a torch). When using an electric pump, time how long it takes to empty half a drum (or whatever volume) so you have a reference point next time for how fast it fills.
There is talk of putting blocks under bungs to prevent any water/scale/rust from being pumped from the bottom of the drum in the first instance. It would be much better to simply pump the first litre or two into bucket for inspection before you start refuelling the plane. If you don't have a bucket, pump a couple of litres on to the ground and observe the colour as you're pumping. The pump should also have an inspection window near the filter so you can see the colour.
Drums should be sealed and dated, and in good condition (no dents, especially near the seams) – if not, be wary.
Carry a pair of pliers with you in case the drum wrench goes missing – you can use them to remove the seal and open each bung.
If you are using a hand pump, the most important thing to remember is you may need to wind the handle quickly, initially, to prime the pump. In some cases (especially when a drum is half-empty and gravity is not assisting as much as it does with a full tank), winding slowly may not prime and hence you may think the pump is broken when it's not.
Make sure to wind in the right direction! (Usually clockwise)
Many hand pumps deliver a standard 1 litre per turn – check the pump to see how much each turn delivers so you can calculate how much to pump into each wing (saves having to remove the spike to check the barrel with a torch). When using an electric pump, time how long it takes to empty half a drum (or whatever volume) so you have a reference point next time for how fast it fills.
There is talk of putting blocks under bungs to prevent any water/scale/rust from being pumped from the bottom of the drum in the first instance. It would be much better to simply pump the first litre or two into bucket for inspection before you start refuelling the plane. If you don't have a bucket, pump a couple of litres on to the ground and observe the colour as you're pumping. The pump should also have an inspection window near the filter so you can see the colour.
Drums should be sealed and dated, and in good condition (no dents, especially near the seams) – if not, be wary.
Carry a pair of pliers with you in case the drum wrench goes missing – you can use them to remove the seal and open each bung.
Joined: Jun 2001
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 1,186
Likes: 59
From: OZ
Back when I was a kid we used to pump fuel from a 44 regularly. As I recall it rules said that you sat the spear side on a brick to tilt the drum so the rubbish would not be picked up by the pump.
Avoid imitations
Joined: Nov 2000
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 15,111
Likes: 1,085
From: Wandering the FIR and cyberspace often at highly unsociable times
During my RAF days it was by no means uncommon during tasking with the army to self refuel our helicopters with AVTUR from drums. The drums had to be allowed to stand for at least an hour after delivery so that any water or debris would settle. We then had to draw a sample using a tube that reached the bottom of the drum and use a test capsule on a syringe to confirm it wasn’t water. The capsule would turn blue if contaminated, remaining clear was good. I also discovered that it was possible to look down to the bottom of the drum using my flameproof torch where any water or debris could be easily seen. It was by no means unusual to see a small puddle of water.
We carried an electric pump which sat on top of the two inch bore aluminium suction tube, powered by the aircraft battery. The tube pickup assembly had a rubber buffer at the lower end and it was designed to leave a small amount of fuel behind, along with anything undesirable sitting at the bottom. It came on a tubular aluminium frame which held a filter. It was a fairly large piece of kit and we had to deliver it to the refuel point at the start of the tasking day. I often went back to base stinking of jet fuel; I don’t recall being supplied with protective gloves or anything else.
We carried an electric pump which sat on top of the two inch bore aluminium suction tube, powered by the aircraft battery. The tube pickup assembly had a rubber buffer at the lower end and it was designed to leave a small amount of fuel behind, along with anything undesirable sitting at the bottom. It came on a tubular aluminium frame which held a filter. It was a fairly large piece of kit and we had to deliver it to the refuel point at the start of the tasking day. I often went back to base stinking of jet fuel; I don’t recall being supplied with protective gloves or anything else.
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,195
Likes: 271
From: Equatorial
Even more fun if you are doing it solo!!!
This is a great post, I bet 99.99% of new PPL/CPL’s would have no idea how to use a drum.
!!!!e my first job involved drums and I didn’t have the interthingy to teach me how, I had to ask for help.
This is a great post, I bet 99.99% of new PPL/CPL’s would have no idea how to use a drum.
!!!!e my first job involved drums and I didn’t have the interthingy to teach me how, I had to ask for help.
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 31
Likes: 6
From: Gainesville, GA USA
Thought my drum fueling days were over, but alas . . .
If you are using a hand pump, the most important thing to remember is you may need to wind the handle quickly, initially, to prime the pump. In some cases (especially when a drum is half-empty and gravity is not assisting as much as it does with a full tank), winding slowly may not prime and hence you may think the pump is broken when it's not.
Make sure to wind in the right direction! (Usually clockwise)
Many hand pumps deliver a standard 1 litre per turn – check the pump to see how much each turn delivers so you can calculate how much to pump into each wing (saves having to remove the spike to check the barrel with a torch). When using an electric pump, time how long it takes to empty half a drum (or whatever volume) so you have a reference point next time for how fast it fills.
There is talk of putting blocks under bungs to prevent any water/scale/rust from being pumped from the bottom of the drum in the first instance. It would be much better to simply pump the first litre or two into bucket for inspection before you start refuelling the plane. If you don't have a bucket, pump a couple of litres on to the ground and observe the colour as you're pumping. The pump should also have an inspection window near the filter so you can see the colour.
Drums should be sealed and dated, and in good condition (no dents, especially near the seams) – if not, be wary.
Carry a pair of pliers with you in case the drum wrench goes missing – you can use them to remove the seal and open each bung.
If you are using a hand pump, the most important thing to remember is you may need to wind the handle quickly, initially, to prime the pump. In some cases (especially when a drum is half-empty and gravity is not assisting as much as it does with a full tank), winding slowly may not prime and hence you may think the pump is broken when it's not.
Make sure to wind in the right direction! (Usually clockwise)
Many hand pumps deliver a standard 1 litre per turn – check the pump to see how much each turn delivers so you can calculate how much to pump into each wing (saves having to remove the spike to check the barrel with a torch). When using an electric pump, time how long it takes to empty half a drum (or whatever volume) so you have a reference point next time for how fast it fills.
There is talk of putting blocks under bungs to prevent any water/scale/rust from being pumped from the bottom of the drum in the first instance. It would be much better to simply pump the first litre or two into bucket for inspection before you start refuelling the plane. If you don't have a bucket, pump a couple of litres on to the ground and observe the colour as you're pumping. The pump should also have an inspection window near the filter so you can see the colour.
Drums should be sealed and dated, and in good condition (no dents, especially near the seams) – if not, be wary.
Carry a pair of pliers with you in case the drum wrench goes missing – you can use them to remove the seal and open each bung.
During my RAF days it was by no means uncommon during tasking with the army to self refuel our helicopters with AVTUR from drums. The drums had to be allowed to stand for at least an hour after delivery so that any water or debris would settle. We then had to draw a sample using a tube that reached the bottom of the drum and use a test capsule on a syringe to confirm it wasn’t water. The capsule would turn blue if contaminated, remaining clear was good. I also discovered that it was possible to look down to the bottom of the drum using my flameproof torch where any water or debris could be easily seen. It was by no means unusual to see a small puddle of water.
We carried an electric pump which sat on top of the two inch bore aluminium suction tube, powered by the aircraft battery. The tube pickup assembly had a rubber buffer at the lower end and it was designed to leave a small amount of fuel behind, along with anything undesirable sitting at the bottom. It came on a tubular aluminium frame which held a filter. It was a fairly large piece of kit and we had to deliver it to the refuel point at the start of the tasking day. I often went back to base stinking of jet fuel; I don’t recall being supplied with protective gloves or anything else.
We carried an electric pump which sat on top of the two inch bore aluminium suction tube, powered by the aircraft battery. The tube pickup assembly had a rubber buffer at the lower end and it was designed to leave a small amount of fuel behind, along with anything undesirable sitting at the bottom. It came on a tubular aluminium frame which held a filter. It was a fairly large piece of kit and we had to deliver it to the refuel point at the start of the tasking day. I often went back to base stinking of jet fuel; I don’t recall being supplied with protective gloves or anything else.
Thanks for that. I'm not a pilot so it's hard to get firsthand perspective from experience without asking for it of course, particularly on something niche like this that not even many pilots may have experienced. I've got a little experience in some niche areas like that myself, just not this one.... yet. I've set a number of land speed records though while running my last business that built standalone ECUs for race cars. That was fun, still have the car. Then I started boating a lot and came up with a motorized fuel caddy idea for fueling my boat at my dock and saving time and money versus going to the marina - I brought it to market, and then created an Aviation Edition of the same thing which a lot of GA pilots (lots of airpark residents) love as well as maintenance facilities for defueling/refueling/etc, and flight schools, aviation maintenance training schools, etc -- which is why I'm trying to learn more about what you guys do to see if it would be beneficial to you too.
This is what we've got going, Pilot John International had me up to their site to make this video. Interested in hearing your thoughts. This is our original 50 gallon model. We have a 70 gallon model now. And another larger (110 gal) in testing/development now.
They're somewhat overbuilt for the terrain most would encounter in aviation I suspect. They'll go darn near anywhere off road over rough terrain, which is probably less commonly needed in aviation than it in when fueling a boat down a steep shoreline, which is what the platform was originally designed for. They're rechargeable and the drivetrain and fuel pump share the same batteries, with a switch between the two so they can't both be active at the same time. The disc brakes are strong and easily manage the load even on steep hills and ramps. So yeah, some of those features are a little overkill in some circumstances. But the flight schools, maintenance shops, and GA pilots that have them here all love them just for being easy to move around the hangar and to fuel their plane.
My thought for those drum fueling now in remote locations is you don't have to muscle those drums around. Transfer the fuel to the motorized caddy/bowser and then you can store it or move it anywhere you need. The curtis valve in the bottom makes it easy to sample/test the fuel, and the waterstop filter provides another layer of protection. There's a bonding reel as well, and flowmeter to measure how much fuel you've pumped, and to make it easy to know how much is left in the tank.
I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on what we've done, and what we should consider. Thanks for your time!
Last edited by DonkeyBrains; 19th March 2026 at 13:16. Reason: the video was showing twice- fixing that
Joined: Oct 2024
Posts: 31
Likes: 6
From: Gainesville, GA USA
Thanks. That's probably the best video I had been able to find on it, and it shows a good general overview for sure. I'm still interested in more real-world experience, anything related to remote locations, bush pilot drum fueling, and anywhere else that it might be difficult to store, move, and dispense fuel where a motorized bowser type solution might be valuable.
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,704
Likes: 589
From: 500 miles from Chaikhosi, Yogistan
For real bush ops, that container won't really work. You can't roll them around single handed; roll them off the back of a truck or aircraft; roll them into storage location; and roll them back again to the aircraft. You always need the motorised caddy. That's more to carry and go wrong.
It would work well, however, at aerodromes with hangars, sheds, power, road access etc. Although for some transport ops and associated quality overlays, determining security and age of fuel / fuel integrity might be a show stopper. Drums, by contrast, are dated, and unopened.
It would work well, however, at aerodromes with hangars, sheds, power, road access etc. Although for some transport ops and associated quality overlays, determining security and age of fuel / fuel integrity might be a show stopper. Drums, by contrast, are dated, and unopened.