Can you refuel a commercial plane in the air?

The cost of the refueling equipment on both tanker and receiver aircraft and the specialized aircraft handling of the aircraft to be refueled (very close “line astern” formation flying) has resulted in the activity only being used in military operations. There is no known regular civilian in-flight refueling activity.

What aircraft systems should not be operated during refueling?

It is absolutely necessary to prevent a source of ignition anywhere near the aircraft during fueling or refueling. Any open flame, such as a lit cigarette, must be extinguished. Operation of any electrical devices must be avoided. Radio and radar use is prohibited.

What are the precautions when refueling defueling in an aircraft?

Safety Precautions. (1) Ground the fueling/defueling equipment (vehicle or fuel hydrant equipment) to the airplane with designated grounding cable(s). Ensure fueling/defueling equipment is grounded to an approved static ground. Ground the airplane to an approved static ground with grounding cable.

What aircraft can refuel in the air?

The Boeing-built KC-46 tanker is a military version of the 767 commercial aircraft. It is intended to replace the oldest of the U.S. Air Force’s KC-135 Stratotanker fleet — some of which are over 50 years old. The KC-46A will be able to refuel any fixed-wing receiver capable aircraft on any mission.

How long does it take to refuel a fighter jet in the air?

Due to the plane’s limitations it may take 3 to 4 minutes for small fighter aircraft. Bigger aircraft can take 10 times more time to complete refuel, and even seseveral tanker aircraft.

What is the safety precautions during refueling?

check the correct grade of fuel is used. Also, ensure there is a proper bonding and groundings between aircraft and tanker, aircraft and ground, tanker and ground, and nozzle and filler port. Do not smoke and no use of naked flame or equipment that can cause spark and ignite fuel.

What are the safety precautions on refueling an aircraft?

Personnel engaged in refuelling shall not carry lighters or other means of ignition, and shall not wear footwear with exposed iron or steel studs. Ground power units must be positioned at least 6 metres from the aircraft fuel coupling and venting points, hydrant valves and other refuelling equipment.

Can a plane refuel with passengers?

Refuelling with passenger on board may or may not be an option depending on the grade of fuel involved: Refuelling with Kerosene (JET A, JET A1 JP8, TS1, RT, TH or equivalent, in accordance with the approved Aircraft Flight Manual), is allowed when passengers are boarding, on board, or disembarking.

What are the safety protocols when refueling of aircraft?

What is the purpose of an aerial refueling aircraft?

In the world of today and especially for the air forces of the world’s militaries, the aerial refueling aircraft’s purpose is indispensable. It is a strategic asset of any military as this act for them as an airborne station. These airborne stations are capable of prolonging the range of the fighter jets as well as the reconnaissance aircraft.

What is an airborne refuelling aircraft?

Aerial refuelling aircraft are strategic assets for any armed force, as airborne stations capable of prolonging the flight time of fighter jets and reconnaissance aircraft, allowing them to do their job for longer. Airforce-technology.com lists the world’s biggest and most effective refuelling aircraft by fuel payload capacity.

Why is air refueling a strategic asset of the military?

It is a strategic asset of any military as this act for them as an airborne station. These airborne stations are capable of prolonging the range of the fighter jets as well as the reconnaissance aircraft. By performing air refueling, these aircraft can prolong their time to do the job.

What is the world’s biggest aerial refuelling aircraft?

The world’s biggest aerial refuelling aircraft. Image courtesy of the US Air Force. The IL-78 aerial refuelling aircraft is in service with the air forces of Russia, Ukraine, China, India and Pakistan. Image courtesy of Alex Beltyukov. A Boeing KC-767 tanker aircraft of the Italian Air Force refuels a B-52 over California’s Mojave Desert.