System and process

A process for refuelling an overwing fuelled aircraft from a fuel storage vessel comprising a stored aircraft fuel to the aircraft through a fuel dispensing system fluidly connected to the fuel storage vessel, wherein the fuel dispensing system comprises a mechanism that permits or prevents the dispensing of the stored aircraft fuel, wherein the process comprises the following steps:

• (1) inputting the aircraft registration number of the aircraft to be refuelled into a computer interface and, using a transmission and receiving system, retrieving information regarding the fuel grade that had previously been supplied to the aircraft having the aircraft registration number inputted into the computer interface and the type of delivery of fuel which may be used by said aircraft from a remote database;
• (2) using a hand-held device, identifying the fuel grade required by the aircraft by reading the fuel grade indicated on an aircraft from an aircraft fuel grade identification means attached to, or forming part of, an aircraft, wherein said aircraft fuel grade identification means is readable from the exterior of the aircraft;
• (3) optionally, identifying the operator and/or owner of the aircraft from a customer identification card and/or number, and obtaining at least the customer name and the fuel grade from a customer identification system wherein the customer identification system comprises a processing system which comprises a transmission and receiving system, wherein the customer identification system is capable of obtaining at least the customer name and the fuel grade from the customer identification card and/or a database entry associated with the customer identification number;
• (4) identifying the fuel grade stored in the fuel storage vessel and available type(s) of delivery of the fuel to the aircraft from a stored fuel grade identification means;
• (5) performing a cross-check of the fuel grades and available type(s) of delivery using an automated cross-check system, wherein the automated cross-check system is configured to retrieve the fuel grades identified in step (2) and step (4), retrieve the type(s) of delivery of fuel identified in step (4) and by the system of step (1), and the previous fuel grade supplied to the aircraft identified by the system of step (1) and optionally also in step (3), wherein the automated cross-check system generates a positive response signal if all of the fuel grades identified are compatible with each other and the type(s) of delivery of fuel to the aircraft are compatible;
• and
• (6) receiving the positive signal generated by the automated cross-check system in a signal processing system which interfaces with the mechanism that permits or prevents the dispensing of aircraft fuel through the fuel dispensing system, and permitting the refuelling of the aircraft to proceed.