Why must the aircraft and the fuel truck be grounded together before fueling?

• A. To reduce fuel spillage
• B. To ensure proper fuel gauge reading
• C. To dissipate static electricity and prevent buildup
• D. To improve engine performance

Answer: (C)

Static electricity can build up on both the aircraft and the fueling equipment as fuel moves and flows through hoses. That charge can discharge as a spark into the fuel vapors, which are flammable and can ignite. Grounding the aircraft and the fuel truck together provides a safe, conductive path to earth and equalizes the electrical potential between the two metal surfaces. By bonding them, any static charge is carried away instead of forming a spark at the nozzle or fittings. So the main purpose is to eliminate the ignition risk from static discharge during fueling. This isn't primarily about reducing spillage, improving gauge readings, or changing engine performance.