Definition
The procedures for adding fuel to an airplane on the ground, including positioning the aircraft, bonding or grounding it to prevent static discharge, verifying the correct fuel grade, and ensuring no ignition sources are present during the transfer.
Plain English
The process of putting fuel into the airplane safely, making sure the right type of fuel goes in and that nothing can cause a spark while it is being pumped.
Context Anchor
Encountered during preflight, ramp operations, fuel-truck service, self-serve fueling, and before starting the engine after fuel has been added.
Derivation
From 're-' (again) and 'fuel.' Refueling simply means adding fuel back to the tanks after some has been used.
Why Pilots Care
Incorrect refueling can cause fire, fuel contamination, imbalance, or engine failure.
Intuition Check
Do not think of refueling operations as simply “getting gas.” In aviation, the term includes the safety checks and fire-prevention steps around adding fuel to an aircraft.
Example Sentence 1
Before refueling operations began, the pilot confirmed the truck was dispensing 100LL and that the bonding cable was attached to the airframe.
Example Sentence 2
Proper refueling operations include grounding the aircraft to reduce the chance of a static spark.