SkyDrill

Fueling when lightning is nearby

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 23 of 26 on Ground Operations and Servicing. ACS element AM.I.F.K3 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA fuel truck is positioned at an aircraft when lightning is observed 4 miles from the airport. Under the handbook fueling precautions, the fueling operation

  1. Amay proceed, because the lightning is more than 3 miles away.
  2. Bmust not proceed, because lightning is within 5 miles.
  3. Cmay proceed once the aircraft and truck are bonded together.
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B. must not proceed, because lightning is within 5 miles.

  • A — incorrect The handbook limit is 5 miles, not 3 miles, so lightning at 4 miles still prohibits fueling.
  • B — correct The handbook states that an aircraft is not to be fueled when there is lightning within 5 miles; 4 miles is inside that limit.
  • C — incorrect Bonding controls static electricity between the aircraft and truck; it does not remove the separate prohibition on fueling with lightning within 5 miles.

BACKGROUND

Aviation fuel vapor is easily ignited, so the handbook lists a series of checks the person fueling must make before starting. Among them are turning off all electrical systems and electronic devices, using the proper grade of fuel, draining sumps, and wearing eye protection. Two of the checks are distance limits: do not fuel an aircraft when there is lightning within 5 miles, and do not fuel within 500 feet of operating ground radar. These limits apply regardless of the grounding and bonding steps taken with the fuel truck.

STUDY TIP

Memorize the two fueling distance limits as a pair: 5 miles for lightning and 500 feet for operating ground radar.

KEY POINTS

  • No fueling when lightning is within 5 miles.
  • No fueling within 500 feet of operating ground radar.
  • Grounding and bonding do not override the lightning limit.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch01 "Fueling Procedures" (checks prior to fueling, item 8)
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.