FAA ISSUES ADVISORY CIRCULAR ON ANTI-MISFUELING DEVICES, AVAILABILITY AND USE.
On November 17, 2016, the FAA updated and re-issued AC 20-122A on Anti-Misfueling Devices: Their Availability and Use – Change 1. The previous version was issued on January 29, 1991.
Purpose. This AC explains the benefits of fitting reciprocating engine-powered general aviation aircraft with anti-misfueling devices and fitting of fuel dispensing equipment with special fuel hose nozzle spouts.
Changes. This AC cancels AC 20-122, Anti-Misfueling Devices: Their Availability and Use, dated October 5, 1984.
Application. This AC applies to all persons involved in aircraft refueling, defueling, servicing, and maintaining fuel dispensing equipment.
Background. The use of improper fuel has caused or contributed to an inordinate number of accidents and incidents. Of these incidents, single-engine general aviation aircraft (and some multiengine) have been most impacted due to being mis-fueled with jet or turbine engine fuel instead of gasoline. The General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA) addressed this problem by developing Specification No. 3, issued on July 1, 1982, which provides a standard color-coded decal to be affixed adjacent to aircraft fuel tank filler openings and corresponding color decal bands to be affixed to refuelers’ fuel hoses in an attempt to alert servicing personnel as to the proper fuel to be used.
Additionally, GAMA and the National Air Transportation Association (NATA) contributed to the anti-misfueling effort by decreasing piston fuel tank filler openings, and fitting jet/turbine fuel nozzle assemblies with adaptors to reduce the probability of introducing jet fuel nozzles into the filler openings of aircraft requiring gasoline. Original Equipment Manufacturers make down-size adapter rings available for reciprocating engine-powered aircraft.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Shelley Ewalt.
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