Richmond Airport OK's Fuel Safety Rules

The Capital Region Airport Commission yesterday passed a tough set of safety and training rules over the objections of private fuel truck operators at Richmond International Airport.

"We didn't get what we wanted, but at the same time, we recognize the commission did hear and consider some of our comments," said Elaine Jordan, a Richmond attorney representing one of the fuelers, Million Air.

The fuelers objected to new powers given the airport's president and chief executive officer, who can now start a suspension process.

The biggest change for Million Air and the airport's other aviation services provider, Aero Industries, allows the head of the airport to suspend operating rights in the event of a serious accident. The 14-member commission - representing Richmond, Henrico, Chesterfield and Hanover - was given final authority to ban an operator from the airport for up to a year.

The new rules and training regulations were drafted after two mishaps this year involving Million Air trucks that struck commercial jets. No serious injuries, fires or fuel leaks occurred, but the accidents sparked concern.

Commission Chairman Beverley W. "Booty" Armstrong struck a conciliatory note before the unanimous vote amending the airport's rules and regulations.

Some at Million Air and Aero "are under the impression that the airport and commission doesn't appreciate them as much as they should," Armstrong said. "We have been most mindful and appreciative" of their services.

"But at the end of the day," he concluded, "safety was the major concern."

In a Dec. 8 letter to the airport administration, Million Air's attorney said a suspension for any period of time "effectively shuts down its fueling business, which is a substantial part of its revenues," and threatens the company's financial viability.

Before voting, the commission struck a provision that made six moving violations by a fuel truck operator grounds for suspension.

Commissioner John V. Mazza Jr. of Chesterfield proposed the change because of the possibility that relatively minor infractions, such as missing taillights, could become grounds for banning an operator.

"The rest of the rules are reasonable and fair," Mazza said.

Commissioner Daniel A. Gecker, also of Chesterfield, disagreed, saying that scratching the infractions measure would remove one of the tools the airport's administration could use to monitor a fueler's safety record.

Removing the measure actually makes the rules more punitive than preventive, Gecker said.

Despite his opposition, Gecker joined the rest of the commission in its aye vote. "We'll take another look in six months, and we'll make changes in round two of this discussion," Gecker said.

Jordan was encouraged.

"Safety's always a concern," the Million Air lawyer said, "and we're always looking at how we can improve it."

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