Mailing List flyrotary@lancaironline.net Message #6851
From: Chad Robinson <crobinson@rfgonline.com>
Subject: Transporting gasoline - legalities
Date: Sun, 28 Mar 2004 11:40:40 -0500
To: Rotary motors in aircraft <flyrotary@lancaironline.net>
So here's the deal. The CONNECTICUT code has no specific regulations regarding transfer of fuel as long as it's in an approved storage container, so a truck bed gas container is fine, as would be a passle (love that word) of 5-gal gas containers. The drum is a bit more iffy, but I'm not sure I'd go that route just because of the corrosion issue. That thing would be sitting behind my head!

There does not appear to be anything wrong with putting the bed-mounted gas tank on a trailer instead of a truck bed. Provided the trailer itself is an approved type and has its safety plate, it's basically considered an extension of the vehicle while under tow. All of the same laws apply. For example, the fine for a tail light being out is not the same as that for the car, it IS that for the car. Your car/truck just got longer, that's all.

The highway is different. Certain federal regulations govern transport of hazardous materials on U.S. highways. I'm not sure what other countries (Europe, Canada, Africa, and all you others out there) do here but in the U.S. you can only transport a certain quantity of these substances and they must be in DOT-approved containers. When crossing bridges or using tunnels you need a permit if you have more than a certain quantity (haven't been able to find that).

That's all I have so far but it's all I need. The only other regulation that matters is the airport's rules on storing fuel and fuel containers. Otherwise, I can get a truck-bed gas tank and a fuel transfer pump with some hose and a nozzle, and a ground strap, and throw that on the trailer. I can get to my gas station and any of the three airports I might base at on back roads. Then it's just a matter of whether I have to drive the darned thing all the way home when I'm done.

Regards,
Chad
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