AOPA and the National Air Transportation Association, which represents aviation businesses, are working together to ensure that a division of the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries does not implement a policy that could result in the elimination of fuel service at many of the state's airports. The state recently adopted the National Institute of Standards and Technology's Handbook 44, which governs fuel weights and measures. It also implemented a new policy on aviation fuel dispensers that requires the total sale price and quantity of fuel, among other items, be displayed on the dispenser. Most aviation self-serve fuel dispensers don't display this information. These pumps could not dispense fuel until they were brought into compliance, limiting pilots' access to fuel. "It is important to note that aviation fueling practices are unique in nature and the adoption of this new policy does not take this into account," said AOPA Vice President of Regional Affairs Greg Pecoraro. "This new interpretation of Handbook 44 by Alabama would be setting a dangerous precedent for other states." AOPA requested the state reevaluate the way it implements the policy.
December 8, 2006