Aviation ground support equipment bowsers procured or constructed after 1 January 1995 must meet which standard specification?

• A. AFTO 42B-1-23
• B. MIL-STD-810
• C. ATA 103
• D. FAA-AMS-2

Answer: (A)

Standardization of aviation ground support equipment used for fueling ensures safety and interoperability across Air Force fueling operations. After 1 January 1995, bowsers procured or constructed for aircraft refueling are required to meet AFTO 42B-1-23. This Air Force specification provides the specific safety, electrical, and fuel-handling requirements for GSE used in fueling, along with testing criteria to verify compliance. It ensures the equipment appropriately interfaces with aircraft fueling systems and minimizes hazards such as spills, leaks, and static discharge during operation. General environmental testing (MIL-STD-810) is broader and not tailored to fueling gear, while ATA 103 and civilian FAA-AMS-2 specs don’t represent the mandatory DoD Air Force standard for bowsers.