Who is authorized to check fuel samples?

The authorities for checking fuel samples are designated to ensure that only those with the appropriate training and qualifications conduct such essential operations. Qualified aircrew and Maintenance Control personnel are specifically trained to assess fuel quality, which is critical for the safety and performance of the Super Hornet. They understand the procedures and standards necessary to effectively evaluate the fuel's condition and identify any contamination or issues that could adversely affect the aircraft's operational capabilities. This expertise is vital because fuel quality directly impacts engine performance and overall aircraft safety.

In contrast, any enlisted personnel may lack the specific training required to perform this task safely and competently. Although pilots are intimately familiar with many aspects of the aircraft, checking fuel samples requires specialized knowledge that typically falls to maintenance personnel. Lastly, while maintenance crew chiefs are knowledgeable and critical to aircraft operations, the scope of authority for checking fuel samples is broader, encompassing specifically qualified aircrew and Maintenance Control personnel.