Refueling question

[gfunc]

Hi folks,

I have a stupid question about "away from home" refueling.

I'm planning my first big cross country down under and I want to pop into Warrnambool for some fuel. Looking at ERSA it says "AVGAS Cardswipe bowser - BP Card only" - my question is what does this actually mean? Do I need a special card to get fuel?

I'm sorry if this seems a little dumb (I'd rather look dumb here than stranded on a far flung apron), but all my other long cross countries have been overseas where you swipe your own credit card like a petrol station or drop the aeroplane at the FBO and the fairies have magically replenished the fuel when I've returned from lunch.

Cheers,

Gareth.

[lethalw]

The AirBP system is much like the credit card system you were referring to, but yes, you will need a dedicated AirBP card to use the machine (I do believe tho that there are a few installations around now that are trialling the Credit Card option....)

The aircraft you are hiring should have a card for it, unless it comes from a predominantly SHELL or MOBIL area, in which case you will need to speak to the aircraft owner / operator to see if they can get you one for the trip.

Another option is to contact the number in ERSA under Handling & Facilities and arrange fuel and payment that way!

[CharlieCharlie78]

Im pretty sure Shell now have bowsers that use their Carnet cards or normal Credit Cards.

Where else is your trip taking you mate?

[chimbu warrior]

Not a stupid question at all.

In fact, if more pilots asked questions or called ahead (as opposed to just turning up and hoping there is fuel available), there would be less instances of people trying to "stretch" their range.

Sadly, gone are the days where every country airfield had fuel. On long trips now it is very much a case of seeking availability of fuel before launching.

All part of the planning process.

[ConfigFull]

At Warrnambool you need an AirBP swipe card to use the pump without any assistance. I got stuck there with every card except the BP one but during office hours (refer ERSA) Air Warrnambool allow you to pay by any method (cheque, credit etc) but they have to swipe their card through the bowser. It also attracts a fee, AVGAS bought without an AirBP carnet card is 10c/L more expensive. I think it was $1.82 with carnet, so $1.92 otherwise.

Needed some oil there too but BP have stopped producing it! So none available there, will need to start buying some 1L bottles!

[Mr. Hat]

Stupid is turning up having not looked into it.

Stupid is not asking a question when you don't understand something.

I don't think I do a sector without asking at least one question.

[TriMedGroup]

drop the aeroplane at the FBO and the fairies have magically replenished the fuel when I've returned from lunch.

This is probably the thoughts of most of the people who will be flying our boeings/airbus' from now on.. Have watched them struggle to pull the fuel hose out of the bowser while its still engaged to the rewind motor many a time, or be able to pull it out then not able to rewind it so just leave the hose on the ground with the nozzle in the dirt next to the bowser.

I suppose its not as bad as the guy who pulled into Apollo Bay in a Jabiru and asked how far it was to town so he could re fill his jerry can.

So none available there, will need to start buying some 1L bottles!

At your own expense I dare say!

[FRQ Charlie Bravo]

If you are unfamiliar with the carnet fuelling system and you are relying on it I highly suggest:

1. Ensuring that you ask the person supplying you with a carnet card if it has been used recently (despite the validity showing with the expiry date many systems (Shell) have been upgraded and 'valid' cards no longer work
2. Making sure that you have a backup plan in case you have to call somebody for fuel (otherwise you may run out of daylight and be tempted to 'press on'); unexpected nights in rural / remote towns can be the best part of navigating this wonderfully challenging but beautiful country.

Best of luck

FRQ CB

Hmm, FBO eh???

Is that one of those refuelling bowsers mounted on a truck with a friendly driver who will fill it up for you and complain if you don't have a decal? (JK)

[YPJT]

gfunc,
good on you for doing some research and asking the question. As others have said, a little bit of planning will save a lot of heartache and grief during your travels. Don't rely on the ERSA listings re fuel availability either. It can take two or more editions for Airservices to update the info after it is sent to them. Also fuel companies / distriubutors can turn it off at the drop of a hat or simply not have it available due to bulk delivery problems. If you call each of your prospective stopovers a week or so ahead you will get the best up to date info.

Enjoy the adventure.

[gfunc]

Thanks for the replies and the encouragement guys!

I've found out that the club I'm renting from does have a Air BP card, so there shouldn't be too much difficulty. I'll give the operator a call beforehand to ensure they have fuel. Thanks for the head up re the rewind motor TriMedGroup - it might save some red faces, unlike the first time I tried to work eftpos in a busy wollies!

In theory I could complete the trip without refuelling (4 hour trip with 5 hours worth of fuel), but I'm paranoid and I always fly with as much fuel as the aeroplane will allow.

Cheers,

Gareth.

[Dangnammit]

Good on you gfunc.
When I did my flyaway trip for cpl hours, I called not only the places where we would be flying to, but any possible alternates as well. I was lucky as I flew in april and had blue skies for a week......ahh the joy