How should aircraft defueling be conducted for safety?

Conducting defueling in the open air for good ventilation is vital for safety during the defueling process. This environment minimizes the risk of flammable vapors accumulating, which can lead to fire or explosion hazards. In open air, the ventilation helps disperse any vapors that may be released, keeping the concentration of flammable fumes at a safe level. Furthermore, the open environment allows for better monitoring of the defueling process and reduces the likelihood of static discharge incidents that can ignite fuel vapors.

Choosing to defuel in a closed hangar creates a confined space where flammable vapors can easily accumulate, increasing the risk of an explosive atmosphere. While the presence of fuel inspectors is beneficial for ensuring proper procedures are followed, it does not inherently increase safety in the same way that ventilation does. Utilizing a designated fueling station is also important, as it is often designed with safety measures specifically for fuel management. However, this option does not address the critical need for adequate airflow during the defueling process. Hence, the safest practice is to defuel in an open air environment with good ventilation.