Which organization determined that grounding of aircraft during refueling has no effect on equalizing static potential?

• A. NFPA
• B. FAA
• C. OSHA
• D. NTSB

Answer: (A)

Grounding during refueling isn’t about tying the aircraft to earth; it’s about making every conducting surface involved in fueling share the same electrical potential. The organization that documents the standards for aircraft fueling and the importance of bonding those conductive parts is NFPA. Their guidance shows that equalizing static potential relies on a continuous, low-impedance bonding path between the aircraft, fueling equipment, and support gear. If this bonding path exists, static charges flow between bonded surfaces until they reach the same potential, which minimizes the spark risk. Grounding the aircraft to earth doesn’t add meaningful improvement because the critical path is the bonding connection among the equipment, and earth paths can be variable or higher resistance. So, grounding has no additional effect when proper bonding is in place, per NFPA standards.