Dispensing/transporting avgas and the FAR's

[djml642]

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.

[nrpetersen]

I don't think it is the FARs - rather the EPA that has like a $200,000 fine for anyone dispensing leaded fuels into anything except an airplane's tank. Can anyone confirm that?

[CarlOrton]

Somewhat related question: Has anyone ever been hassled for pumping avgas into a jerry can to take home in order to calibrate their experimental's fuel sensor? Or to perform first engine start? I did it only once; got very odd looks from the FBO (self-serve fuel), but nothing was said.

[martymayes]

Tell them to show you the FAR.

I don't think the EPA has such a rule.
In the 1996 phaseout of leaded fuel, EPA exempted certain activities. Besides aviation, vehicles for off-road purposes like racing cars, farm equipment, and marine engines can use leaded fuel. Several gas stations where I live still sell leaded fuel for "off-road" use only. Some of the brands are VP, Sunoco, Torco, etc. I believe NASCAR switched to unleaded fuel in 2008.

Just get an old cherokee gas tank and put it in the back of your truck. Not much they could say then cause it's going directly into an airplane gas tank.

[Mike M]

Tell them to show you the FAR. I don't think the EPA has such a rule.

40 CFR 80.173(b)(1) is all i've found so far. but i've seen fresh signs at a nearby airport saying they can't sell any fuel that's going off-airport. making the airboat guys mad. next time i'm there when the office is open i'll ask for their reference.

[martymayes]

40 CFR 80.173(b)(1) is all i've found so far.

That reg has been on the books since 1996. Nothing new here to see.

but i've seen fresh signs at a nearby airport saying they can't sell any fuel that's going off-airport.

Wonder what they going to tell the transient pilot that wants a top-off.

[tripilot]

The EPA has, as you may know, made container manufacturers comply with their new standards. New fuel containers are miserable to use, at best. For years (pre-ethanol) i hauled auto fuel onto my airport and pumped it into my Skyhawk via a 12v. electric pump. I would also buy 100LL and pump it into a five-gallon plastic fuel container for use in small power equipment at home. I would use it in my boat as well as sell it, at no profit to friends who wanted to use it as a stabilizer in their fuel tanks. It was never an issue.
Today, I will drive my motorcycle onto my local airport and buy either 100LL or MoGas with a credit card. I also fill my boat which holds 50 gallons for it's inboard engine and, their are many airboat guys who also fill up. It's good alternative business for the FBO.
I would think rather than worrying about FAR's and EPA, you should be concerned about hauling fuel on the road in "un-approved" or improperly secured/stored containers by local or state law enforcement. When I hauled fuel to the airport, I did so in a 55 gallon drum that was secured to a wooden platform by strapping. I could also remove the tank by sliding it out and onto a platform I built for it. The pump was installed in the side bung. I would cover it with a tarp when hauling it. Out of sight - out of mind. I'd look for another FBO if possible. Obviously, the one in question is not interested in making money. Best of luck!