Professional Pilot, January 2019

INTERNATIONAL OPS Fuel uplift considerations worldwide Buying fuel overseas can vary widely in price You also often face taxes tacked on surcharges By Grant McLaren Editor at Large Staff at Manny Aviation Services TLC Toluca F uel is the largest variable operating expense for most longhaul flights and its an essential factor to any successful international mission While the good news is that aviation fuel availability quality and credit options have never been better fuel uplift glitches do occur from time to time within the international General Aviation GA operating arena Pre planning for fuel uplifts is a part of the overall trip planning process that should always be given high priority on any international trip Planning and managing fuel uplifts internationally can be a complex business with a lot of moving parts to consider says UVair Assoc Account Mgr Michelle Smith You need to dig down to really understand all opportunities requirements and risks involved in the process If youre trying to wing it on your own there could be challenges in terms of best pricing credit uplift delays language barriers and the vetting of various local providers In some cases this could turn into an 58 PROFESSIONAL PILOT January 2019 Mexico coordinate a fuel uplift using a 3rd party provider Some FBOs in Mexico and elsewhere have dedicated GA fuel trucks on standby while others rely on airport authority fuel trucks which often arrive late absolute nightmare Its best to work with experienced providers and be aware that the best price available at a particular location may not be the best deal International Support Providers ISPs encourage operators to plan overseas uplifts well in advance whenever possible Fuel uplifts along with ground handling crew accommodations catering and local transport are all important elements of successful international trip planning But sometimes we see fuel planning as more of an afterthought when it really needs to be right up there on the priority list says ITPS Special Accounts and Sr MGAS Mgr Chris Linebaugh Be aware of fuel release requirements pricing applicable taxes credit and credit backup strategies FBO or ramp restrictions on fueler access as well as impact of holidays and or large local events and delivery delays that could occur at particular locations Operators who plan fuel uplifts well in advance run into fewer issues than those who do things more on the fly Its different overseas Buying fuel stateside is normally via FBOs with dedicated fuel trucks multiple credit options and short notification requirements In the international environment you may need to schedule fuel uplifts 24 48 or even 72 hours in advance and setting up fuel credit will be different When traveling internationally fuel uplifts and credit are generally organized differently and there may be taxes and additional charges that need to be considered says UAS Ops Mgr Duke LeDuc In some cases this can be somewhat convoluted for operators to set up on their own Even the most experienced international pilot can at times be confused regarding local fueling and credit arrangements applicable fuel taxes and fuel delivery restrictions There could be fuel shortages to consider at certain locations during high demand periods or you may face a potential delay of 2 3 hours due to fuel truck availability Once youre on the ramp you may find uplift op Photos courtesy Mannys Aviation