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This study analyzed the potential risks of aircraft refueling/defueling operations at an air force airfield. Existing studies have mostly focused on aviation safety, logistics, maintenance and repair, and rarely discussed refueling/defueling operations. Therefore, this study investigated the risk factors of aircraft refueling /defueling operations in an attempt to control and reduce the risks, thereby improving operational safety.
Group decision-making was adopted to engage air force team members in discussing and identifying aircraft refueling/defueling operational risks based on their experience carrying out missions. Risk level was assessed according to subjective probability. The Operational Risk Management Integration Tool (ORMIT) was used to record relevant research and analysis data, thereby practicing risk management by analyzing risk control measures, risk-related decision-making, implementation of risk control, and supervising and reviewing.
The risk management team of the authority analyzed the aircraft refueling/defueling operations and conducted risk management using volume 2 (1st edition) of the Operational Risk Management Manual in conjunction with the ORMIT. Risk concerns arising from the aircraft refueling/defueling operations were divided into six stages to implement risk identification and assessment as well as analyze control methods.
After implementing risk management and assessment of risk factors at each stage of the aircraft fueling/defueling operations, 19 risk factors were identified. The built-in program of the ORMIT classified the 19 risk factors into different levels using English letters and numbers. Subsequently, team members established an operational method and conducted empirical evaluation. Compared with the original operational method, the proposed one has less risks; improves risk-prone operating methods, environment, and personnel; and strengthens safety measures.
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