If I can be so bold but to post again (yes I am a newbie!), I think one needs to look at the intent of the standards/rules/codes etc. that cover refueling aircraft. IMHO (and how I would interpret the code), there are two reasons, beyond preventing a fire, it says not to fuel inside:
1-A burning airplane inside a hanger is worse than a burning airplane outside a hanger and;
2-There is the greater potential of having an ignition source inside a hanger than outside.
Numer 2 is the key, eliminate ignition sources and your chances of having a fire is minimized greatly. We tend to worry about only static, but it is always going to be there no matter what, including if you bond prior to fueling. (However bonding does reduce the risk of a static spark) If one takes the proper precaution, has adequate ventilation, and waits until introducing potential ignition sources into the hanger, it can be safe. As far as that goes, that should be the rule anytime you open your hanger door. If you get a whiff of fuel (or even if you don't) when opening the door, ventilate prior to introducing an ignition source. Keep in mind that your nose can and does get desensitized to the odor. I would bet that anyone with a Cesnna high wing has had more fuel dumped on the floor from the vent tube than from fueling, however the quantity is so small it is too lean to burn as long as you do not introduce an ignition source right on top of the product.
Also, there is an exception to the NFPA codes for maintenance, i.e. your A&P defueling your plane to work on it. There are rules to cover this, but it is an exception none the less and can be done indoors.
Having said that, if I were the authority having jurisdiction over an airport, I would be inclined to enforce the standard/code as written. (No indoor fueling/defueling) The reason is not Jay or others that take precautions, it is for the guy who decides to fuel his plane from plastic gas cans through a plastic funnel on a dry winter day with his propane powered engine heater running, and doesn't have a step ladder so he uses the steps on the strut of his high wing Cessna. He may not have a problem burning his plane, or himself, but my responsibility is to prevent fires from occuring and/or spreading to other property. In other words, the standard is written to protect you and the other guy from hurting you.
With all of that said, and it was said in an earlier post, one must look at the risk of his actions. If they are acceptable to him, it can be done safe. There is no doubt that if you never fuel inside, you will never have a fire while fueling inside. If you are going go fuel inside, make sure there are no ignition sources and make sure you ventilate before introducing one. All depends on your level of comfort. Even if you do not fuel inside, get into the habit of ventilating (i.e open the door all the way and letting it air out) anytime your plane is inside.
OK, so this newbie just posted in his first controversial subject for the purpose of a) showing everyone I am not scared
, and b) to hopefully add some safety thinking beyond static to those of us that fuel our own planes. That is what I like about this board, it makes me think!
(Well I kinda fibbed, I am a little scared.)
Tim
PS-Jay, I hope you removed your cigarette lighter and ashtray from your "refueling" truck, that is in the standard as well!
But, I'm sure many of them have valuable insights to contribute, which is why I hate threads that go like this one has.
