What does an aircraft refueler do?
Primarily, aircraft fuelers are responsible for fueling and maintaining aircraft of different sizes. The fuelers make sure that the fuel of the aircraft is ready for takeoff. They safely hook up and unhook the equipment, fill fuel for the airplane's wings, and fill out its fuel transaction forms. Their job includes quality control of the aircraft equipment on a daily basis. They must be comfortable in using numbers for the calculation of fuel weight and volume.
Aircraft refueler responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real aircraft refueler resumes:
- Manage the organization of information of FAA correspondence and provide communication support to team members.
- Maintain daily FAA and corporate require logs.
- Perform schedule and unschedule maintenance on communication, radar, instrument, electrical/power distribution, and integrate weapons delivery systems.
- Work directly with VIP, and their staff, VIP events.
- Maintain and perform maintenance on assign VIP aircraft.
Aircraft refueler skills and personality traits
We calculated that 53% of Aircraft Refuelers are proficient in Customer Service, FBO, and Private Aircraft. They’re also known for soft skills such as Detail oriented, Dexterity, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Aircraft Refuelers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Customer Service, 53%
Demonstrated excellent customer service on weekends to transient aircrews.
- FBO, 32%
Conducted flight line operations / services in connection with FBO (Fixed Base Operation) based at Philadelphia International Airport.
- Private Aircraft, 5%
Helped pull private aircraft from hangers by using different sized tugs.
- Fuel Trucks, 4%
Drive fuel truck to and from fueling site as well as plane landing sight.
- Aircraft Fuel, 2%
Utilized EPA directives on Fuel Farm operations while performing load and unloading of aircraft fuel into storage tanks and/or refueling trucks.
- Safety Procedures, 1%
Followed appropriate safety procedures for operating aircraft refueling trucks.
"customer service," "fbo," and "private aircraft" are among the most common skills that aircraft refuelers use at work. You can find even more aircraft refueler responsibilities below, including:
Detail oriented. One of the key soft skills for an aircraft refueler to have is detail oriented. You can see how this relates to what aircraft refuelers do because "mechanics and technicians need to adjust airplane parts to exact specifications." Additionally, an aircraft refueler resume shows how aircraft refuelers use detail oriented: "worked in aircraft fueling and aircraft handling in fast-paced, teamwork oriented environments. "
Dexterity. Many aircraft refueler duties rely on dexterity. "mechanics and technicians need to coordinate the movement of their fingers and hands in order to grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts.," so an aircraft refueler will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways aircraft refueler responsibilities rely on dexterity: "trained and certified for all ground support equipment from air stairs to fork trucks and man lifts. "
The three companies that hire the most aircraft refuelers are:
- Atlantic Companies Holding Corporation
48 aircraft refuelers jobs
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Compare different aircraft refuelers
Aircraft refueler vs. Structures mechanic
A Structures Mechanic maintains the frame and structural components of machinery. They fabricate and repair metallic and nonmetallic materials, as well as perform inspections and supervision of machinery.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an aircraft refueler are more likely to require skills like "customer service," "fbo," "private aircraft," and "fuel trucks." On the other hand, a job as a structures mechanic requires skills like "safety regulations," "jigs," "ladders," and "math." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Structures mechanics really shine in the manufacturing industry with an average salary of $67,111. Comparatively, aircraft refuelers tend to make the most money in the government industry with an average salary of $33,729.On average, structures mechanics reach similar levels of education than aircraft refuelers. Structures mechanics are 1.5% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.0% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft refueler vs. Systems mechanic
A systems mechanic specializes in repairing and maintaining systems, ensuring machines operate smoothly and efficiently. Although the extent of their responsibilities varies upon their company or place of employment, it typically includes meeting with clients to identify their needs, inspecting machinery, troubleshooting problems, replacing and fixing wirings, and recommending other services when necessary. They may also install and assemble equipment, establish guidelines, and replenish fluid such as oil and gas. Moreover, there are instances when a systems mechanic works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for a safe and successful workflow.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real aircraft refueler resumes. While aircraft refueler responsibilities can utilize skills like "customer service," "fbo," "private aircraft," and "fuel trucks," systems mechanics use skills like "hand tools," "test equipment," "preventive maintenance," and "hydraulic systems."
Systems mechanics may earn a higher salary than aircraft refuelers, but systems mechanics earn the most pay in the government industry with an average salary of $78,942. On the other hand, aircraft refuelers receive higher pay in the government industry, where they earn an average salary of $33,729.In general, systems mechanics achieve similar levels of education than aircraft refuelers. They're 1.1% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft refueler vs. Structures technician
Structures technicians design buildings or monuments. They plan construction, select materials, and create models. They must investigate the properties of possible materials, including steel, concrete, cement, and brick.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from aircraft refueler resumes include skills like "customer service," "fbo," "private aircraft," and "fuel trucks," whereas a structures technician is more likely to list skills in "hand tools," "engineering drawings," "revit," and "troubleshoot. "
Structures technicians make a very good living in the manufacturing industry with an average annual salary of $64,055. On the other hand, aircraft refuelers are paid the highest salary in the government industry, with average annual pay of $33,729.structures technicians typically earn similar educational levels compared to aircraft refuelers. Specifically, they're 0.8% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Aircraft refueler vs. Helicopter mechanic
A helicopter mechanic is tasked with making sure all a helicopter's parts are good and working well. They thoroughly inspect and ensure that the helicopter and other aircraft meet standard regulations and are fit for flight. A helicopter mechanic is well versed in mechanics and has excellent problem-solving and computer skills. They repair and maintain both civilian and military helicopters. They may work at airfields or runways.
Types of aircraft refueler
Updated January 8, 2025
