Jet and Aviation Fuel

Aviation turbine fuel is specified around the world largely by two specifications DefStan 91-091 and ASTM D1655 and is a complex mixture predominantly composed of hydrocarbons and varies depending on crude source and manufacturing process making it impossible to define the exact composition of Jet A/A-1. ASTM D1655 has therefore evolved primarily as a performance specification rather than a compositional specification.

One of the newest developments in these methods was the addition of a test for Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME) allowed at wingtip for the fuel to be used.  View our FIJI JF – FAME in Jet Instrument, SA5000-2 page for more information.

When, where and how fuels are tested for use is largely governed by organizations such as:

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

1. Manual On Civil Aviation Jet Fuel Supply, 9977

Joint Inspection Group (JIG)

1. JIG-1 Aviation Fuel Quality Control and Operating Standards for Into-Plane Fueling Services
2. JIG-2 Aviation Fuel Quality Control and Operating Standards for Airport Depots.
3. JIG-4 Aviation Fuel Quality Control and Operating Standards for Smaller Airports.

American Petroleum Institute (API)

1. RP 1543 Documentation, Monitoring and Laboratory Testing of Aviation Fuel During Shipment from Refinery to Airport
2. RP 1595 Design, Construction, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Aviation Pre-Airfield Storage Terminals

International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Airlines For America (A4A)

1. Spec 103: Standard for Jet Fuel Quality Control at Airports