What is the purpose of ground wires during refueling?

• A. Reduce the possibility of a fire during refueling.
• B. Increase static buildup during refueling.
• C. Improve radio reception.
• D. Stabilize fuel flow.

Answer: (A)

Ground wires during refueling are there to keep static electricity from building up and to discharge it safely into the earth. When fuel moves through hoses and into the aircraft, friction and flow can generate static charges. If these charges aren’t drained, a spark could occur near fuel vapors and ignite them. The ground connection provides a low-resistance path to earth, equalizing electrical potential between the aircraft, the fueling equipment, and the ground so any stray charge is carried away rather than causing a spark. That’s why the main safety benefit is reducing the possibility of a fire during refueling. Grounding doesn’t purposefully increase static, nor does it improve radio reception or stabilize fuel flow.