The FAA’s Airport Safety and Operations Division (AAS-300) has released an updated version of its Advisory Circular (AC) for Aircraft Fuel Storage, Handling, Training, and Dispensing on Airports. The newly published AC 150/5230-4C provides the most commonly accepted means for airports to comply with 14 CFR, Part 139, section 321, Handling and Storing of Hazardous Substances and Materials. The FAA also recommends the new guidance be adopted by non-Part 139 certificated airports.

Principle among the changes are additional training requirements for:

• Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) Contamination Prevention

• Diesel Particulate Filter Regeneration (DPF) Procedures

• Misfueling Prevention

The new AC also includes updates on how to demonstrate compliance with training requirements. Previously, hands-on fire extinguisher training (HOT) for both supervisors and line fuel service personnel had to occur within 60 days of completing an FAA-approved training course such as those offered through NATA’s Safety 1st Training Center. Now, HOT is only required within 60 days (before or after) initial supervisory or line fuel service training, then subsequently every 24 months.

Fueling agents must also be able to demonstrate that they have maintained continuity of training for all employees during the time they are authorized to handle aviation fuels. Continuity of training is only required for the previous 24 consecutive calendar months for personnel training records; however, this may require retaining some records beyond 24 consecutive calendar months.

For example:

• An employee completes all components of supervisor fuel safety training in November 2017 and again in November 2019.

• During an inspection in April of 2020 the fueling agent would need to produce that employee’s training records for November 2017 and November 2019 to demonstrate continuity of training from April 2018 (24-month lookback).

Of note, while advisory in nature, AC 150/5230-4C does includes language which makes use of its standards and guidelines mandatory for:

• Projects funded under Federal grant assistance programs, including the Airport Improvement Program (AIP). (See Grant Assurance #34.)

• Projects funded by the Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) program. (See PFC Assurance #9.)

To learn more, join NATA’s Director of Safety and Training Mike France and Manager of Fuel Quality and Safety Steve Berry on October 13th at 3PM EDT for an in-depth look at how the new AC affects users of NATA’s Safety 1st Training Center and how you can ensure that your team remains in compliance

For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero. 

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.