When are fuel samples required to be taken?

Fuel samples are required to be taken before the first flight of the day, during daily inspections, and during defueling processes to ensure that the aircraft is being operated with uncontaminated fuel. This practice is essential for maintaining safety and the operational integrity of the aircraft.

Taking samples before the first flight helps to verify the quality of the fuel that will be used during that operational period, identifying any possible contaminants that could affect performance. During daily inspections, the examination of fuel samples provides a routine check that is crucial in catch potential issues early, while during defueling, testing the fuel can prevent contamination of the fuel system and confirm the quality of the fuel being removed.

These procedures are critical for ensuring that the aircraft operates properly and safely, as fuel contamination can lead to significant malfunction or failure during flight.