Before fuelling an aircraft, fuelling zones should be established. These zones will extend at least 6 m (20 feet) radially from the filling and venting points on the aircraft and the fuelling equipment.

Within these zones there should be no smoking. Also, Fire extinguishers should be located so as to be readily accessible. Light aircraft are refuelled by the overwing method with the quantity issued in litres or gallons indicated on the delivery vehicle.

Before refuelling commences, the following procedures should be carried out:

• The aircraft should be bonded (grounded) to the fuelling equipment using dedicated wires and clips. Reliance must not be placed upon conductive hoses for effective bonding.
• The hose nozzle should be bonded (grounded) to the aircraft structure before removing the tank filler cap. Similarly, even funnels, filters and cans should be bonded to the aircraft. Plastic funnels or pipes should never be used.

When passengers are embarking or disembarking during fuelling operations, they should do so under the supervision of an airline official and their route should avoid the fuelling zones.

Thus, refuelling has to have no open fires, obey smoking bans and apply ground cables.