Roberta Aguirre
It is possible to buy aviation fuel at some airports, but this is usually reserved for pilots and aircraft owners. Some airports have multiple options for fuel, including both full and self-service, while smaller airports may only have one option. It is important to check the availability of fuel and the type of service provided before arriving at the airport. Additionally, some airports may require a tail number, which can be found online. For those driving to the airport, there are often gas stations located nearby for convenient refueling, although it is recommended to plan your gas station stop before getting too close to the airport to avoid congestion and panic.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Buying gas at the airport | Gas is available at some airports. |
| Fuel availability | 100LL is usually available at airports that carry fuel. Mogas is available at some smaller airports. |
| Fuel payment methods | Credit cards, wire transfer, cash. |
| Fuel for cars | Gas stations are often located near airports for convenient refueling. |
| Fuel for planes | Self-service and full-service options are available at airports. |
| Fuel location | Directional signs or logos of common fuel vendors can help locate fuel pumps at the airport. |
| Fueling process | Aircraft should be positioned to reach both tanks with the hose. The fuel pump handle and hose should be pulled out carefully. |
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What You'll Learn
Gas stations near Philadelphia Airport
If you're driving to Philadelphia International Airport and you need to refuel your vehicle, knowing where the nearest gas stations are can save you time, stress, and money. Rental companies often charge hefty fees if you don't return the car with a full tank, so finding a gas station near the airport becomes a priority. Luckily, there are several gas stations conveniently located near Philadelphia International Airport.
One of the closest options is Sunoco A-Plus on Industrial Highway, about a 7-minute drive from the airport. It's conveniently located if you're coming from I-95 and it's open 24/7. Another option is Wawa, located about 10 minutes from the airport. It's a popular choice for travellers who want to grab a bite while fuelling up, and it's also open 24/7. Gulf on Essington Avenue is also just a short drive from the rental car return lots and offers competitive prices and good service.
If you're looking for a well-maintained station with all the essentials, BP on Island Ave is one of the closest gas stations to the airport. It offers a convenience store, a car wash, and competitive gas prices. For those who want a reliable brand name and decent prices, there's another BP station on Oregon Ave, which is within a 15-minute drive from the airport.
To save time and avoid stress, it's recommended to plan your gas station stop before you get too close to the airport. You can also use apps like GasBuddy to find the best prices near the airport.
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Refuelling a rental car
For example, if you're driving to Philadelphia International Airport, there are several gas stations conveniently located nearby. Sunoco A-Plus and Wawa are both popular choices for travellers, and the former is open 24/7. Another option is BP, which is a little further out but still within a 15-minute drive from the airport.
It's worth noting that rental companies charge for the "convenience" of refuelling the car, and their rates can be almost double what you'd pay at a regular gas station. Therefore, it's advisable to plan your gas station stop before getting too close to the airport to avoid congestion and panic refuelling.
Additionally, some rental companies offer prepaid fuel options, where they fill up the tank for you at a discounted rate. This can be a good option if you're running late or simply prefer the convenience of not having to refuel yourself. However, prepaid fuel is usually only sold in full tanks.
In summary, refuelling a rental car is straightforward, but it's important to be aware of the potential fees and plan your refuelling stop in advance to save time and money.
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Finding fuel at an airport
When it comes to finding fuel at an airport, there are a few different scenarios to consider. If you're driving to an airport and need to fill up your car, many airports have gas stations nearby, which can be a convenient option. For example, Philadelphia International Airport has several gas stations within a 10 to 15-minute drive, including Sunoco A-Plus, Wawa, and BP. These stations offer the convenience of fueling up your vehicle before returning a rental car, avoiding the high refueling charges.
Now, if you're a pilot looking for aviation fuel, the process is a bit different. During training, pilots typically get fuel at their home airport. However, when travelling to another airport, you can usually find fuel by taxiing to the designated area. At towered airports, you can request taxi instructions to guide you to the fuel pumps. At non-towered airports, look for yellow directional signs or logo signs for common fuel vendors like AirBP, Chevron, or AvFuel.
At airports with multiple FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators), parking and fuel often go hand in hand, so where you park determines your fuel source. Airports with a single FBO may require you to park at transient parking and call for the fuel truck using a unicom frequency, a dedicated contact frequency, or by walking into an office. Alternatively, you can refer to websites like Airnav and 100LL.com for up-to-date information on fuel availability, hours of operation, and prices.
It's worth noting that most airports carry 100LL fuel, which can be used in a pinch, but you may need to verify the availability of other fuel types, such as mogas, by using flight planning tools or maps like FlyUnleaded. Additionally, payment methods can vary, with some airports accepting credit cards, wire transfers, or fuel cards issued by fuel contractors.
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Paying for aviation fuel
While it is possible to buy aviation fuel at local airports, the process may vary depending on the airport's size and facilities. Here are some detailed instructions and considerations for paying for aviation fuel:
Locating Fuel Services at Airports
At larger airports, there may be multiple options for purchasing aviation fuel, including both full-service and self-service facilities. To locate the fuel pumps, it is recommended to refer to websites like AirNav and 100LL.com for up-to-date information on fuel availability, service types, and operating hours. At non-towered airports, look for yellow directional signs pointing to fuel or logo signs for common fuel vendors like AirBP, Chevron, or AvFuel.
Payment Methods for Aviation Fuel
The payment methods for aviation fuel can vary. Some common options include:
- Credit Cards: In the United States, most places accept credit cards. Larger carriers may be billed directly, while smaller airports may use company credit cards or specialized credit cards designed for aviation fuel purchases.
- Wire Transfer: In some cases, a simple call to the airline's head office may result in a purchase order for fuel being sent to the relevant supplier.
- Cash: While rare, there may be instances where the airport fuel truck only accepts cash payments.
- Fuel Contracts: Some airlines may have contracts with fuel suppliers, who pay the airport fuel company and then rebill the airline. The pilot carries a card identifying them as a client of the fuel contractor.
Fueling Procedures
Once you have located the fuel pumps at the airport, follow these steps:
- Position your aircraft so that you can reach both fuel tanks with the hose.
- Carefully pull out the fuel pump handle and hose, ensuring they don't rest on the wing to avoid damage.
- Climb up and visually inspect the tank as you fill it. Remember, the pumps may not shut off automatically, so pay attention to prevent overfilling.
- Fuel both sides and securely tighten the caps when finished.
- Return the hose to its reel, and if applicable, turn off the switch.
- Obtain a receipt for your purchase, which may be printed automatically.
Additional Considerations
- At airports with multiple FBOs (Fixed-Base Operators), parking and fuel may be linked, so your parking location may determine where you get your fuel.
- For AACIT planes, you may need to pay for fuel yourself and then seek reimbursement from your organization or club.
- When flying to unfamiliar airports, it is advisable to plan for fuel stops and check fuel availability, especially if you are a student pilot.
- If you are driving to the airport and need to refuel your vehicle, plan your gas station stop in advance to avoid last-minute stress and rental car refueling charges.
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Aviation fuel types
While it is possible to buy gas at or near many airports, the type of fuel available depends on the airport.
There are two main types of aviation fuel used in general aviation: jet fuel and AVGAS. Jet fuel is a refined kerosene-based, clear or straw-coloured liquid that is primarily used to power turbine engines, such as turboprop and jet engines. There are several types of jet fuel, including Jet A, which is primarily used in the United States, and Jet A1, which is the most used jet fuel worldwide. Jet B is the most common alternative to jet fuel and AVGAS, primarily used in civil aviation.
AVGAS (short for "aviation gasoline") is used by traditional propeller aircraft and small piston-engine airplanes. Tasks that use AVGAS-based aircraft are typically on a smaller scale and include crop-dusting, private flying, and flight training. AVGAS is still produced with tetraethyl lead (TEL), a toxic additive used to prevent engine knocking.
Biofuels, or sustainable aviation fuels, are ecologically friendly alternatives to conventional fossil-based fuels used in aviation. Natural gases also have the potential for widespread aviation use in the future as a short-to-mid-term solution to decarbonization.
Other alternative fuels, such as alcohol and alcohol mixtures, may be used experimentally, but alcohol is not permitted in any certified aviation fuel specification.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy gas at most airports. Smaller airports may only have one option for fuel, while larger airports may have multiple options, including both full and self-service.
At a towered airport, you can ask to taxi to fuel and request progressive taxi instructions if you're unsure of the location. At non-towered airports, look for yellow directional signs pointing to fuel or logo signs for common fuel vendors like AirBP, Chevron, or AvFuel.
The availability of fuel types can vary depending on the airport. 100LL is commonly available at airports that carry fuel, and some airports may also offer mogas (automotive gasoline). However, larger airports that carry jet fuel are less likely to carry mogas.
There are a few options for paying for fuel at an unfamiliar airport. Some airports may accept credit cards or wire transfers. Alternatively, you can call the head office of your company to request a purchase order for fuel from their regular supplier.
Yes, there are several gas stations conveniently located near Philadelphia International Airport. Sunoco A-Plus and Wawa are both popular choices located within a 7-10 minute drive from the airport. Another option is the BP station located within a 15-minute drive from the airport.
