What is the term for refueling an aircraft on the ground with the engines running?

• A. Separation/Isolation
• B. Jettison
• C. Hot Refueling
• D. Crossfeeding

Answer: (C)

Hot refueling is the term for refueling an aircraft on the ground with the engines running. This method saves turnaround time by fueling while the aircraft remains in operation, but it carries heightened fire and explosion risk because fuel vapors can ignite from heat, sparks, or ignition sources near the engines. Therefore, hot refueling requires strict safety procedures, grounding, bonding the fueling equipment, and close coordination with ground crews.

The other terms don’t describe this practice. Separation/Isolation refers to keeping systems or fuel lines separated to prevent contamination or cross-flow, not fueling with engines on. Jettison is dumping fuel to reduce weight for landing, not fueling. Crossfeeding is transferring fuel between tanks within the aircraft to balance weight and center of gravity, not the act of refueling the aircraft.