Special application
Aviation fuel storage is not just a diesel tank with different labels
An aviation tank can use familiar aboveground tank construction, but fuel quality, filtration, sampling, servicing, and airport oversight add a separate operating framework.
Buyer impact
1. The tank shell is only one layer
UL 142 or UL 2085 can still be relevant to the physical aboveground tank where the adopted code and project specification call for those listings. Aviation service then adds requirements downstream of the shell: aviation-rated filtration, water control, sampling, bonding and static-control procedures, equipment inspection, and personnel training.
FAA Advisory Circular 150/5230-4C is active and provides guidance for aviation fuel storage, handling, dispensing, and training on airports. The U.S. Department of the Interior also maintains an Aviation Fuel Management Handbook updated in September 2024 for federal aviation operations, including remote and field settings.
2. Fuel specification is not the same as facility design
Jet fuel
ASTM D1655-26
The current ASTM specification covers Jet A and Jet A-1 aviation turbine fuels. It is a fuel-quality specification, not a complete tank-farm design standard.
Aviation gasoline
ASTM D910-26
The current ASTM specification covers leaded aviation gasoline grades. Tank and dispensing design still need the applicable airport, fire-code, and operating requirements.
3. Filtration and quality control deserve their own specification
Road-fuel filters and casual visual checks should not be assumed adequate for aviation service. The buyer should define the aviation filtration standard, water-separation approach, sampling points, differential-pressure monitoring, drain and sump access, receipt checks, and recordkeeping expected by the operator, airport, customer, or contract.
PEI's current Recommended Practices list includes RP1300-25 for Aviation Fueling Systems. FAA guidance and the DOI handbook should also be checked against the actual airport, operator, federal-agency, or contract requirements before equipment is specified.
4. Ask these questions before pricing the package
- Jet A, Jet A-1, avgas, or another aviation product?
- Airport/FBO installation, agricultural strip, helicopter base, remote site, or temporary/deployable use?
- Who owns the operating specification: airport, airline, FBO, federal agency, customer contract, insurer, or AHJ?
- What filtration and water-removal qualification is required?
- Where will samples be taken at receipt, storage, and dispensing?
- What pump flow, meter, hose, reel, nozzle, bonding/static-control, and emergency controls are required?
- How will the tank be protected from water ingress, contamination, and product cross-mixing?
- What training, inspection, documentation, and filter-change program will the operator maintain?
5. Remote aviation sites add a second sizing problem
For Alaska, wildfire aviation, heli-logging, mining, or other remote operations, resupply risk can drive capacity and redundancy. That is separate from the aviation-quality specification. A system can be sized correctly for gallons and still be wrong if it cannot maintain clean fuel, qualified filtration, reliable sampling, or safe dispensing under the site's operating conditions.
Primary references
- FAA AC 150/5230-4C: Aircraft Fuel Storage, Handling, and Dispensing on Airports
- U.S. Department of the Interior: Aviation Fuel Management Handbook, updated September 2024
- ASTM D1655-26: Standard Specification for Aviation Turbine Fuels
- ASTM D910-26: Standard Specification for Leaded Aviation Gasolines
- Petroleum Equipment Institute: RP1300-25 Aviation Fueling Systems
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