Helicopter guidelines for land seismic & helirig operations - OGP

Helicopter guidelines for land seismic & helirig operations
Annex D
Fuel management
D.1 General
D.1.1
D.1.2
D.1.3
D.1.4
D.1.5
D.1.6
D.1.7
D.1.8
D.1.9
The correct grade of dry, uncontaminated fuel is essential to safe flight operations.
Stringent handling procedures and contamination checks must be followed at each
stage of movement of the fuel from the refinery to the helicopter in order to reduce
the risk of fuel contamination due to water, dirt, or sediment.
The preferred source of helicopter fuel would be a CAA approved airport close by the
operations. However, for many operations this will not be a viable option and fuel will
have to be procured from a supplier/refinery and stored in the base camp or staging
area.
All fuel and supporting fire suppression systems, including those provided by airports
or fixed base operators, should have annual safety, technical and quality assurance
reviews by appropriate competent and qualified authority or organization and
reviews every six-months by the Helicopter Provider. Records of such reviews and any
remedial actions taken should be maintained.
The Helicopter Provider should provide formal procedures detailing all necessary
equipment checks and fuel system quality control.
Only authorized and duly trained personnel will be allowed to enter the fuel storage
area and to operate refueling or fuel transfer equipment. This authorized/trained
personnel may also conduct the quality control checks described in this section,
but subject to supervision by the Pilot-in-Command. All other personnel should
remain clear of the fuelling area when fuelling operations are in progress, unless the
authorized personnel requests assistance.
The Pilot-in-Command is responsible for the quality of fuel loaded into the aircraft.
The most common and also most dangerous contamination of fuel is water. Water
can block engine fuel filters and hence cause sudden engine failure. Presence of water
can also lead to development of bacteria and fungi in the fuel. These can also result in
fuel filter blockage. Hence the water contamination checks described below should be
followed rigorously (ie in all stages of fuel handling and supply as well as the regular
checks on the fuel inside the tanks of the aircraft).
In humid climates with large swings in temperature, water condensation might occur
inside the aircraftís fuel tanks. Topping up the fuel tanks at the end of the day may be
a valid mitigation measure in such areas, but puts constraints on the first flight plans
the next morning.
Most fuel providers now include anti bacterial and fungi inhibitors in their products.
Where this is not the case (enquire with fuel provider) the use of such products could
be considered in hot, humid climates.
D.2 Site selection
D.2.1
The fuelling area is to be checked in accordance with the following requirements on
initial set up:
1. Helicopter fuel storage areas must be separate from other types of fuel stocks.
2. Terrain must be kept clear of any flammable materials such as brush,
undergrowth or debris and not susceptible to flooding. The site should be as free
of dust and debris as possible.
3. Helicopter fuel storage and refueling areas must be as far as possible from all
other personnel, equipment and living quarters. The minimum distance from
© OGP
53