Coast Guard Aviation Units aircraft are required to be bonded to what during fueling and defueling operations?

• A. Refueler / Defueler System
• B. Grounding Rod
• C. Aircraft Tie-Down
• D. Fueling Hose

Answer: (A)

Bonding during fueling is all about preventing static electricity from building up and causing a discharge near fuel vapors. To achieve that, the aircraft must be connected to the fueling equipment so they share the same electrical potential. Bonding the aircraft to the Refueler/Defueler System provides an uninterrupted electrical path between the aircraft and the fueling system, allowing any static charge to flow away safely rather than spark at the aircraft or fueling nozzle. Grounding a rod alone doesn’t couple the aircraft to the fueling system, and tying the aircraft down doesn’t address electrical potential. The fueling hose is part of the system, but the effective protection comes from bonding to the Refueler/Defueler System.