Summer brings longer days, busier schedules—and increased strain on aviation fuel systems. With rising temperatures and humidity levels, fuel farms face unique challenges that, if left unaddressed, can lead to costly downtime, compliance issues, or worse.
At Rebel Services, we’ve helped airports across the Southeast avoid the pitfalls of summer operations. Here are the most common fuel farm maintenance mistakes we see this time of year—and how to avoid them.
1. Not Performing Required Daily Sumps & Ignoring Water Buildup in Tanks
Summer humidity increases the chance of condensation forming inside fuel tanks. When water settles at the bottom, it creates the perfect environment for microbial growth—and that’s a problem you don’t want.
Avoid it:
*SUMP DAILY* Regularly check for and remove water during your daily or weekly inspections. Don’t wait until you see signs of contamination.
2. Skipping Filter Changes
High summer temps cause fuel to break down faster and carry more particulate matter. Clogged filters restrict flow and can lead to pump strain or fuel quality issues.
Avoid it:
Inspect and replace filters based on manufacturer guidelines—or sooner if you notice a drop in flow rate. Don’t assume last season’s filter schedule will hold up during the summer rush.
3. Neglecting Visual Inspections
A quick walk-around isn’t enough. From deteriorating seals to heat-damaged hoses, visual cues often reveal the first signs of trouble.
Avoid it:
Develop a summer-specific inspection checklist following the required ATA forms and fuel provider fuel quality control requirements. Look for cracks in fittings, leaks around gaskets, and signs of UV damage on external parts.
4. Overlooking Microbial Growth
Warm weather fuels microbial activity in diesel and jet fuel systems. Left unchecked, it clogs filters, corrodes tanks, and compromises fuel quality.
Avoid it:
Monitor fuel regularly for signs of haze, discoloration, or foul odors—clear signs microbial activity is present.
5. Delaying Calibration Checks
Temperature fluctuations can affect flow meter accuracy. If your meters are off, you’re losing track of inventory—and possibly misbilling your customers.
Avoid it:
You can Schedule a mid-year meter calibration to ensure everything is reading accurately and you stay compliant with state and federal requirements along with your annual check. I would change this to say DO NOT skip the annual check!
6. Forgetting Vent & Spill Containment Checks
Tank vents can become blocked or compromised in extreme heat. Overpressure or vacuum conditions increase the risk of leaks or tank damage.
Avoid it:
Ensure all vents are clear, spill containment areas are clean and functional, and that emergency response supplies are stocked and accessible. Examples dirt dobbers, bird’s nest and etc.
Summer Success Starts with Smart Maintenance
Avoiding downtime isn’t about luck—it’s about preparation. With regular maintenance and a trained eye, you can keep your fueling system running efficiently, safely, and compliantly all season long.
At Rebel Services, we know what it takes to manage summer’s toughest fuel system challenges. Whether you need a routine inspection, meter calibration, or help spotting hidden issues, our experienced team is ready to keep your operation on track.
Need a second set of eyes on your fuel farm? Reach out to schedule a summer maintenance check today.
