‘White Crystals,’ and the Danger of Fuel Contamination

July 8, 2019

In recent years, there have been several incidents of fuel contaminated with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) being uplifted to business aircraft, causing damage to airplanes and a safety risk to passengers and crews. While NBAA, other industry groups, FBOs and fuel suppliers are looking at ways to mitigate the risk and develop a way to test for DEF, “the best course of action, for now, is prevention,” said Bob Schick, director of safety and risk management, TAC Air. Alex Beringer, COO of Fair Wind Air Charter, advised: never let an aircraft get fuel without direct supervision and train staff on what to look out for.

This week, NBAA Flight Plan host Pete Combs speaks with:

  • Alex Beringer, COO, Fair Wind Air Charter
  • Terry Yeomans, IS-BAH program director, IBAC
  • Bob Schick, director of safety and risk management, TAC Air
  • Mark Larsen, senior manager for safety and flight operations, NBAA
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