Fuelling operations
57.—(1)  An AOC holder must ensure that a small aeroplane is not refuelled or defuelled when a passenger is embarking, disembarking or on board the aeroplane unless —
(a)the aeroplane is properly attended by qualified personnel ready to initiate and direct an evacuation by the most practical and expeditious means available; and
(b)two-way communication is maintained by use of the aeroplane inter‑communication system or other suitable means between the ground crew supervising the refuelling or defuelling and the qualified personnel on board the aeroplane.
(2)  An AOC holder must ensure that a helicopter (regardless of whether any of its rotors are turning or stationary) is not refuelled or defueled —
(a)when a passenger is embarking, disembarking or on board the helicopter; or
(b)when the oxygen supply for the helicopter is being replenished,
except under and in accordance with a specific authorisation granted to the AOC holder by the Director-General of Civil Aviation that specifies the conditions under which such refuelling or defuelling may be carried out.
[S 771/2018 wef 24/11/2018]
(3)  Nothing in this regulation requires the deployment of integral airstairs or the opening of emergency exits as a prerequisite to refuelling or defuelling of a relevant aircraft.
(4)  Regulation 45 of the Air Navigation (91 — General Operating Rules) Regulations 2018 does not apply to a relevant aircraft.