Dispensing/transporting avgas and the FAR's
For seven years my FBO has filled my six red gasoline containers for a total of 30 gal per visit transported in my pickup. I then transfer it to my Safari helo as I need it. Five days ago I was told they would only pump directly into the helo in the future. That creates potentially dangerous situations for me, incredible inconvenience and real loss of services for the non-profits and public agencies for which I fly gratis.
I could not understand the mumblings of the FBO owner over the phone when I aked for a clarification.
I've been six years straight to Oshkosh, won silver Lindy in '06, and always refueled by Basler into the five gallon containers transported there by myself and fellow pilots.
Oshkosh is run by the book.
There's a company in NC, near Greensboro that markets a 300gallon, single axle fuel trailer which they indicate on their website to be legal for avgas.
The FBO I called that handles avgas at the Oswego Co. airport said they would not pump into a traier because it is a violation of the FAR's.
Basler, at Oshkosh, filled the 100 gal trailer many times during Airventure '11 from which I was refueled.
I need help finding out what the FAR's say about avgas dispensing into containers and trailers and the transporting of it thereafter.
Reasons for not selling fuel.
The problem of selling fuel to be transported off airport recently arose out our local airport. A cropduster based at his own grass strip wanted to buy fuel in a portable tank to take home for his helicopter. The attendant refused to sell it to him. Needless to say he was not happy and rightfully so. As a member of our Airport Commision I was asked to intercede on his behalf. This was brought up at our monthly meeting a few days later. The concern of the airport Manager was basically the liability of selling fuel to someone to be transported over the road in their vehicle. While we all have to be concerned about liability these days, we should not let it scare us into doing nothing. Since there is no reason that we should refuse to work with an aircraft owner or pilot to sell them fuel for their aircraft or one they are using, the challenge becomes one of how can we do so and manage the liability involved. Once a person leaves our premises the whole issue becomes about transporting fuel over the road which falls under the DOT regulations. I proposed that we only dispense fuel into DOT aproved containers for aviation use only. The individual involved then has to give us a valid N number and sign a form accepting all responsibility for the transportation of the fuel. The feeling was that this would at least help to limit any liability on the part of the County which owns the airport, and allow us to accomodate the needs of the flying public with minimal inconvenience to the customer. This may not be a perfect solution and probably does not eliminate all liability but I beleive it is a good aproach. We have a responsibility to take good care of the members of the flying community and at the same time we have a duty to the citizens of our County to minmize the risk of lawsuits in our suit happy world. No one has to tell you that in todays world there are people just itching to sue someone. And if the local government is a viable target they will jump at the chance. Since NonEthenal fuel is available locally we have not had many requests for Non Aviation sales such as boats and lawnmowers. Just thought I would share the aproach we have taken , as it might be something that you could use to convince your airport management to implement at your local airport. Best of luck.Randy
