Last month we alerted you to changes to the NFPA 407 which requires the installation of automatic “scully-type” shutdown systems at airport loading racks that are also compatible with mobile refuelers. Today we’re expanding on why this requirement is unnecessary.
These automatic shutdown systems allow the fuel farm and refueler to communicate so that the refueler automatically shuts down when it’s full. The goal of this new regulation is to reduce fuel overfills and spills, which in and of itself isn’t bad. We’re in favor of this reduction if those spills are in fact a problem. Data documenting the need for these additional automatic shutdown systems, however, is lacking.
For years, refuelers have operated with an overfill protection call “pre-check” which allows operators to ensure the internal overfill valve is closing as it should at the start of the refilling operation. The current NFPA-407 includes a requirement for a monthly check of this valve. This pre-check is essential to ensure the internal valve is functioning correctly. When performed regularly, it protects against overfills and spills without the need for the scully-type shutdown systems. In fact, airports have not reported a rash of overfills or spills which indicates the current system works well.
NATA estimates costs for retrofitting one loading rack at $6-10 thousand dollars plus $2500-3500 per refueler. For small general aviation airports, like the ones we serve, that have one fuel farm for AVgas and one for Jet A plus one refueler for each, the costs would run between $17-27 thousand dollars. The deadline for compliance is June 2021.
Last fall NATA proposed a Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) that would have eliminated the retrofitting requirement for the automatic shutdown system. This TIA was not passed. A second TIA (TIA 1558) calls for the complete removal of the automatic shutdown requirement.
NATA requests stakeholders to share their support of TIA 1558 by emailing TIAs_Errata_FIs@nfpa.org before March 17, 2021. The organization suggests you include the following information in your email comment to NFPA:
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A clear indication that you support TIA 1558 and encourage the NFPA Aircraft Fuel Servicing Technical Committee to vote in favor of approval.
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Brief information about your business and the longstanding safety and reliability of your existing high-level shut off systems and operational procedures for bottom loading.
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Your contact information.
At Rebel Services, we support new technology that allows our customers to provide better services to their customers. In fact, we’re always searching for new products and technologies to serve our clients better. The scully-type automatic shutdown systems may provide a better or different option for limiting overfills and spills. Without hard data to show that overfills and spills are a problem using the current system, however, we can’t support a program that would layer unnecessary cost onto our customers.
For more information about NFPA 407 and NATA’s response click here.
