Fuel Contamination Concerns Grow

Adding to worries over food and drug contamination, now there are reports of an emerging concern over aviation fuel contamination. Public information is still scant but in just the last few months, there have been a disconcerting number of uncommanded engine shutdowns of aircraft in flight. So far the only connection between these incidents appears to be clogged fuel filters – a sure indication of contaminants in the fuel. Because these engine shutdowns occurred on commercial flights – some reportedly major airlines carrying passengers – the incidents have gotten the attention of manufacturers of aircraft, engines, and fuel system components, as well as the airlines. And, of course, the Federal Aviation Administration. While no accidents have occurred – yet – there is a very real concern that all the wrong circumstances lining up could result in an accident attributable to contaminated fuel. So what does this mean for GSE operators? Unless a smoking gun is quickly identified, there will be increased scrutiny of every aspect of aviation fueling, including the fuel delivery system. This means from the storage tanks to the pipelines to the hydrant trucks and the conventional fuel trucks. Focus is likely to land on the fuel filtration systems and how contaminants are managing to find their way through these systems and onto aircraft. This might be a good time to review procedures in place at your facilities.