Thread: Fuel Truck
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Old January 14th 04, 05:30 PM
Mike Rapoport
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Thanks, I was aware of most of these issues but not the containment one. I
agree that the best approach is to lease or donate the truck in return for
low cost fuel. I am also considering a fixed site system but then I would
need to buy the land and pay property taxes on it forever as well as
maintain the system.

Mike
MU-2



"Dick Meade" wrote in message
...

"Mike Rapoport" wrote in message
nk.net...

The truck would be stored outside on a hanger apron.


Mike,

I believe that EPA has or is in the process of mandating containment for
mobile refuelers. A few other points to consider:

Jet-A loves water and allows bacterial growth. Prist, in addition to

being
an antifreeze, is an anti-bacterial. Jet in storage needs to be

circulated
to keep the Prist properly mixed. Additionally, there are fairly rigid
standards regarding filtration of Jet fuel. These standards are insurance
driven, which brings up another point. If your FBO's arrangement is
typical, they carry liability insurance for the first part of a claim.
Excess liability coverage is provided by the fuel supplier. This coverage
is contingent on the proper storage and conditioning of the fuel. Ours
refused to sell us fuel unless the system met their standards. Look at

the
Jet fuel system sometime. Note the filters and valving. It is set up to

be
able to circulate and filter the fuel in the tank. As the fuel is
off-loaded from the delivery truck, it is filtered. As it is delivered

into
your plane, it is also filtered. Any tanker that stores fuel should have
the same capability.

The tanker will also have to be epoxy coated in the inside to prevent

rust.
If you buy a jet refueler, it should already be set up correctly with

epoxy
and filtration, but that should be verified. Your FBO's fuel supplier
should be happy to explain their requirements for fuel handling. You
probably would want to "donate" the truck to the FBO in return for low

fuel
rates, just to avoid the hassles and potential liability. Alternatively,

a
variation on the "Mighty Grape" might better fit your needs, even if it

took
a couple of trips to fuel the plane.

I had to research this 3 years ago when the company I work for bought a
Citation Bravo. We ultimately abandoned the refueler idea, and opted to

buy
a 10,000 gallon Jet system, which we donated to the city. In return, we

buy
fuel at a deep discount for a specific length of time. Avgas systems are
dirt simple in comparison.

If you're still looking at refuelers, Aero-Trader has a 2,000 gallon truck
in the current issue. 817 area code puts it in the Ft. Worth area.

Hope this is helpful,

Dick Meade