Interagency Single Engine Air Tanker Operations Guide - National ...

INTERAGENCY SINGLE ENGINE AIR TANKER OPERATIONS GUIDE
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CHAPTER 8 - SEAT LOADING AND REFUELING
I. Introduction.
Unless otherwise specified by contractual agreement, all loading and
refueling operations are the sole responsibility of the contractor. However,
there may be times when the SEAT is to be loaded with fire retardants or
suppressants at an established air tanker base, at such times the pilot will
supervise the retardant contractor or other authorized personnel during the
entire loading operation. All personnel authorized for loading operations,
shall be fully qualified in the procedures established at each base, and
trained prior to the arrival of the SEAT at the air tanker base.
II.
All SEATs are approved for "Hot" reloading, however, the SEAT
Contractor must comply with the procedures established at all bases.
These procedures may or may not allow “hot” reloading.
The contractor is required by contract to verify each load of retardant. This
is to ensure compliance of manufactures specification prior to induction
into the aircraft. The SEMG will be supplied with the results of the
refractometer readings for their records. SEMGs will conduct periodical
quality assurance checks. When operating from a Large Air Tanker Base,
the ATBM is responsible for ensuring that the loading personnel meet this
requirement and provides documentation to the SEMG. The SEMG will be
responsible for ensuring this documentation is given to the SEAT
contractor for their records.
Refueling SEAT Aircraft.
Refueling operations are the sole responsibility of the contractor and will
not be performed by government personnel. The SEMG will require the
contractor to demonstrate their ability to fuel the aircraft in accordance
with the specifications listed the contract.
Some SEATs are approved for "Hot" refueling provided the appropriate
dry-break equipment is installed and approved fueling procedures are
followed. All fueling operations are to be conducted in a secure area, and
without presenting any undue hazard to other aircraft or personnel.
“Hot” refueling is only allowed to be performed if the base operation plans
approve the operation. The SEAT Contractor must comply with the base
operational plans.
“Hot” refueling, if allowed, it can only be performed by the SEAT
Contractor’s personnel and equipment.
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