Aircraft fuel system operator

Aircraft fuel system operators maintain fuel distribution systems and ensure the refuelling of planes. 

The following job titles also refer to aircraft fuel system operator:

aeroplane refueller
aircraft refueller
refueller
refuelling operator
fuel operator
aircraft fuel system worker
aircraft refuelling operator
operator of aircraft fuel systems

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as aircraft fuel system operator.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Aircraft fuel system operator is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to aircraft fuel system operator.

baggage flow supervisor
gas scheduling representative
aircraft marshaller
leather goods manual operator
aircraft maintenance coordinator

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of aircraft fuel system operator. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of aircraft fuel system operator with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

airport maintenance technician
gas processing plant operator
flight operations officer
aviation safety officer
case administrator

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of aircraft fuel system operator.

• Fuel inventory methods: Know various fuel inventory methods; know gauging procedures for fuel bladders using petroleum gauging stick.
• Fuel distribution systems: Know all aspects of fuel distribution systems and components such as pipeline systems, valves, pumps, filters, and fuel monitors.

These skills are necessary for the role of aircraft fuel system operator.

• Conduct quality assurance inspections on fuel operations: Obtain and visually inspect fuel samples, examine fuel tank water, temperature, and fuel levels to ensure the highest quality in operations.
• Show responsibility: Accept responsibility and be accountable for professional decisions of yourself or others as part of a job or one’s role.
• Handle fuels: Handle and store fuels and assess their potential risks and dangers.
• Report on fuel distribution incidents: Compose forms on the findings of pumping system temperature and water level checks etc.; produce reports detailing any problems or incidents that occurred.
• Ensure maintenance of fuel distribution facilities: Implement regular maintenance and safety programmes relating to all aspects of fuel distribution facility operations; demonstrate expertise in spill clean-up procedures, prevention and control measures, repair of fuel terminal systems, and implementation of preventive maintenance on these systems.
• Follow written instructions: Follow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.
• Identify airport safety hazards: Spot threats related to security at the airport and apply procedures to counteract them in a quick, safe, and efficient way.
• Conduct aviation fuel servicing operations: Perform refuelling and defueling activities, such as receiving fuel by tank truck or rail car, and preparing and checking documentation, in support of aviation refuelling objectives.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of aircraft fuel system operator. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Perform manual work autonomously: Show the ability to pursue basic manual tasks without the help or assistance of others, not needing supervision or guidance, and taking responsibility for one’s actions.
• Make numerical calculations: Work with numbers and perform complex calculations. An understanding of the basics of maths is crucial.

8332 – Heavy truck and lorry drivers

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References

1. Aircraft fuel system operator – ESCO
2. Featured image: By © Raimond Spekking / CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons), CC BY-SA 4.0