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Grounding sequence for truck fueling

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 18 of 26 on Ground Operations and Servicing. ACS element AM.I.F.R3 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONWhen fueling an aircraft from a mobile fuel truck, what is the correct order for grounding and bonding?

  1. AGround the truck, then bond it to the aircraft; no separate aircraft ground is needed.
  2. BGround the aircraft, ground the truck, then bond the two together.
  3. CBond the truck to the aircraft first, then ground the aircraft.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. Ground the aircraft, ground the truck, then bond the two together.

  • A — incorrect The aircraft is grounded first and separately; bonding to the truck does not replace the aircraft's own ground.
  • B — correct The handbook sequence is to ground the aircraft, then ground the truck, and next bond them together with a connecting wire, either three separate wires or a Y cable.
  • C — incorrect Bonding comes after both the aircraft and the truck have been grounded, not before.

BACKGROUND

An aircraft moving through the air builds static electricity in the airframe. If that charge is not dissipated before refueling, it tries to return to ground through the fuel line from the servicing unit, and the resulting spark can ignite fuel vapor. When using mobile fueling equipment, the handbook sequence is: ground the aircraft, then ground the truck, then ground or bond them together by running a connecting wire between the aircraft and the truck, using three separate ground wires or a Y cable. Grounds must contact bare metal or the proper grounding points, never the engine exhaust or propeller. The nozzle is then grounded to the aircraft before the fuel tank is opened, and the wires are removed in reverse order.

STUDY TIP

Learn the sequence as aircraft, truck, bond, nozzle, and remember to remove in reverse.

KEY POINTS

  • Ground the aircraft first, then the truck, then bond them together.
  • Ground the nozzle to the aircraft before opening the tank.
  • Remove grounding wires in the reverse order.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch01 "Fueling Procedures" (mobile fueling equipment, item 3)
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON GROUND OPERATIONS AND SERVICING

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.