Why is motorized ground equipment not allowed under the wing tip during fueling?

Why is motorized ground equipment not allowed under the wing tip during fueling?

• A. because wing tip vents fuel tanks, which may produce a hazardous condition
• B. because it blocks the fueling nozzle
• C. because it could damage the wing
• D. because it causes delays

Answer: (A)

During fueling, fuel vapors can escape through vents located near the wing tips as part of venting the wing tanks. Those vapors are highly flammable, and placing motorized ground equipment under the wing tip creates a potential ignition source—sparks, hot surfaces, or static discharge could ignite the vapors. Keeping equipment away from the wing tip reduces the risk of a hazardous condition forming from vented fuel vapors. It’s a safety rule focused on preventing ignition of vapors, not on blocking the nozzle, protecting the wing, or avoiding delays.

During fueling, fuel vapors can escape through vents located near the wing tips as part of venting the wing tanks. Those vapors are highly flammable, and placing motorized ground equipment under the wing tip creates a potential ignition source—sparks, hot surfaces, or static discharge could ignite the vapors. Keeping equipment away from the wing tip reduces the risk of a hazardous condition forming from vented fuel vapors. It’s a safety rule focused on preventing ignition of vapors, not on blocking the nozzle, protecting the wing, or avoiding delays.