Aircraft fuel system operator
Also known as: aircraft refueller, refuelling operator, aeroplane refueller, refueller, aircraft refuelling operator, operator of aircraft fuel systems
About this occupation
Aircraft fuel system operators maintain fuel distribution systems and ensure the refuelling of planes.
Essential skills and knowledge
- fuel distribution systems
- conduct aviation fuel servicing operations
- identify airport safety hazards
- conduct quality assurance inspections on fuel operations
- fuel inventory methods
- show responsibility
- ensure maintenance of fuel distribution facilities
- follow written instructions
- report on fuel distribution incidents
- handle fuels
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Aircraft Service Attendants (O*NET 53-6032.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Guide aircraft to designated areas using hand signals, batons, or other methods.
- Radio to flight dispatchers or other personnel to discuss incoming or outgoing aircraft.
- Complete forms describing tasks completed.
- Apply de-icing fluid to aircraft from baskets lifted by truck-mounted cranes.
- Tow aircraft to gates or hangars using tugs, tractors, or other vehicles.
- Refuel aircraft using hoses connected to fuel trucks.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Enterprising
Top skills: Active Listening, Monitoring, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Operation and Control
US median pay: US$40,450 a year (2025), 31,300 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.9)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Avionics Technicians
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Commercial Pilots
- Cleaners of Vehicles and Equipment
- Rail Car Repairers
- Bus and Truck Mechanics and Diesel Engine Specialists
- Automotive and Watercraft Service Attendants
- Aircraft Cargo Handling Supervisors
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.