Transportation

How to Become an Aircraft Refueller in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook

by Occupations.ca Team
11 min read

Have you ever watched a plane push back from the gate and wondered, “Who makes sure it has the right fuel, safely and on time?” If you enjoy hands-on work, being outdoors, and being part of a critical airside team, a career as an Aircraft Refueller in Ontario could be a great fit for you. In this role, you keep aircraft moving—safely, precisely, and efficiently—no matter the weather. If that sounds like you, read on.

Job Description

An Aircraft Refueller (sometimes called an aircraft fueler, fuelling agent, or fuel services technician) fuels commercial, cargo, private, and military aircraft at airports across Ontario. You drive and operate specialized fuel trucks or hydrant carts, connect and disconnect hoses, complete fuel quality checks, communicate with flight crews and dispatch, and follow strict Safety and environmental procedures.

This is an essential role in the TRANSPORT sector, especially in high-traffic airports like Toronto Pearson, Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, Ottawa International, Hamilton International, London International, Thunder Bay, and many regional airports across Northern Ontario.

Daily work activities

  • Arrive early for a shift briefing, get your assignments, and inspect your fuel truck and equipment (hoses, nozzles, bonding cables, deadman Controls).
  • Review work orders and fuel loads; communicate with ops/dispatch and ramp control.
  • Drive airside (with an AVOP where required) to the assigned stand or remote bay.
  • Park, chock, bond the aircraft, perform water detection and density checks, and confirm fuel type.
  • Perform underwing or overwing fuelling using a hydrant system or a tanker truck.
  • Monitor gauges, temperatures, and flow rates; use a deadman control to keep the fuelling safe.
  • Complete documentation (fuel slips, electronic logs) and report any discrepancies.
  • Coordinate with flight crew, ramp agents, and Maintenance to avoid conflicts with catering, baggage, or de-icing operations.
  • After fuelling, secure equipment, remove bonding, check for spills, and clear FOD (foreign object debris).
  • Return to base, re-fuel your truck from the fuel farm if needed, and prepare for your next job.

Main tasks

  • Inspect, operate, and position fuel trucks/hydrant carts safely.
  • Perform correct aircraft bonding/grounding and confirm fuel type (Jet A/Jet A-1 vs. Avgas).
  • Conduct fuel Quality Control tasks (density, temperature, and water contamination checks).
  • Execute underwing and overwing fuelling procedures to set volumes, time constraints, and safety standards.
  • Follow CSA B836 fueling standards and company SOPs.
  • Maintain accurate fuelling records for billing and Compliance.
  • Communicate clearly via radio with ops, ramp control, and flight crews.
  • Implement spill Prevention, containment, and environmental reporting.
  • Work under time pressure while meeting strict safety and Security rules.
  • Support fuel farm operations (filter changes, sampling, inventory) if assigned.
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Required Education

You don’t need a university degree to become an Aircraft Refueller in Ontario. Most employers hire based on a high school diploma plus specific Training, licensing, and airport certifications. That said, related college diplomas can help you stand out and grow into Leadership roles.

Diplomas

  • Certificate

    • WHMIS and TDG training certificates (mandatory for handling fuel).
    • AVOP (Airside Vehicle Operator Permit) issued by the airport authority (mandatory for airside driving in many roles).
    • RAIC (Restricted Area Identity Card) security clearance (mandatory for access to restricted areas).
    • First Aid/CPR and basic spill response certificates (often required or strongly preferred).

  • College Diploma (optional but valuable)

    • Aviation or Airport Operations, Aviation Management, or related programs can improve your career prospects (lead hand, supervisor, quality, or safety).

  • Bachelor’s Degree (not required)

    • Not necessary for entry-level fuelling; could be useful long-term if you aim for management.

Length of studies

  • Entry-level training for fuelling (company-provided) typically takes 2–6 weeks on the job, plus ongoing recurrent training.
  • WHMIS/TDG: 1 day or self-paced online courses.
  • AVOP: study time plus written and practical test; timeline varies by airport.
  • DZ driver’s licence (if required by employer): several weeks to train, test, and obtain.
  • College diplomas: 1–3 years (optional).

Where to study? (schools and useful links)

Tip: Many ground handling and fuelling companies in Ontario (for example, those serving Pearson, Ottawa, and Billy Bishop) provide paid training for new hires, including fuel quality procedures, ramp safety, and company-specific SOPs.

Salary and Working Conditions

Salary (Ontario)

Pay varies by airport, employer, shift premiums, and union agreements. In Ontario, you can expect:

  • Entry-level Aircraft Refueller: approximately $18–$24 per hour.
  • Experienced refueller (3+ years, hydrant operations, quality control, lead hand): approximately $25–$34 per hour.
  • Supervisory roles (fuel farm lead, ramp fueling supervisor): can reach higher hourly rates; some roles may offer annual salaries depending on the employer.

Factors that influence pay:

  • Airport size and traffic (Toronto Pearson typically pays more than small regional airports).
  • Unionized vs. non-union workplaces.
  • Shift differentials (evenings, nights, weekends) and overtime.
  • Added duties (fuel farm QC, hydrant system operations, trainer roles).

For market insight on related occupations and outlooks, see Job Bank’s labour market information for airside ground operations in Ontario:

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Note: Aircraft fuelling roles are often grouped with air transport ramp occupations in labour market data.

Working conditions

  • Schedule: 24/7 operations, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime during peak Travel or weather events.
  • Environment: Mostly outdoors, in rain, snow, heat, and wind; frequent exposure to jet blast, noise, and fuel vapors.
  • Physical demands: Lifting and pulling hoses, climbing stands or ladders, kneeling, bending, and walking long distances on the ramp.
  • Safety: Strict compliance with WHMIS, TDG, airport driving rules, and company SOPs. You will wear PPE (Hearing protection, hi-vis gear, gloves, safety boots, eye protection).
  • Security: You will likely need a valid RAIC to work in restricted areas, plus an AVOP for airside driving.
  • Substance policies: As a safety-sensitive role, employers often require drug and alcohol screening.

Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Attention to detail: Fuel type, quantities, and procedures must be precise.
  • Situational awareness: Moving vehicles, active taxiways, and changing weather.
  • Communication: Clear radio calls; concise, respectful interactions with crews and other ground staff.
  • Teamwork: Coordinating fuelling with baggage, catering, and de-icing teams.
  • Stress tolerance: Tight turnarounds and irregular operations.
  • Dependability: Punctuality and readiness are critical in a 24/7 airport environment.
  • Customer focus: Professional service to airlines and general aviation clients.

Hard skills

  • Airside driving with an AVOP, obeying airfield markings, lighting, and ramp rules.
  • Fuel quality control: Water detection, density checks, temperature compensation, filter monitoring.
  • Fuelling systems: Underwing and overwing procedures, hydrant carts, tanker operations, fuel farm basics.
  • Hazardous goods handling under TDG; understanding WHMIS labels, SDS, and safe handling.
  • Spill prevention and response: Use of absorbents, reporting, and environmental procedures.
  • Documentation: Accurate paper or electronic fuel tickets and incident logs.
  • Equipment inspection: Pre-trip checks, basic troubleshooting of hoses, nozzles, bonding cables, meters.
  • Driving competence: Many employers prefer a Class D licence with Z endorsement (DZ) for fuel truck operation.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages

  • You play a critical role in flight safety and on-time performance.
  • Clear entry pathway: You can start with a high school diploma plus targeted training.
  • Strong team environment and variety: Every turnaround is different.
  • Career mobility: Move into lead, supervisor, trainer, fuel farm quality control, or airport operations with experience and further education.
  • Work at the heart of aviation without needing pilot or AME credentials.

Disadvantages

  • Shifts and weather: Nights, holidays, and harsh weather are normal.
  • Physical, safety-sensitive work: Strict procedures, PPE, and fitness are essential.
  • Noise and fumes: Must follow safety rules to reduce risks.
  • Security and licensing: RAIC screening, AVOP testing, and often a DZ licence can take time and commitment.

Expert Opinion

If you’re aiming to become an Aircraft Refueller in Ontario, think in layers:

  1. Get the essentials in place. A valid Ontario G licence is your first step. If you can, pursue a DZ licence early; it makes you a stronger candidate for fuel truck roles and can boost your pay. Keep your driver’s abstract clean.

  2. Be certification-ready. Complete WHMIS and TDG training before you apply; it shows initiative and shortens onboarding. Review airport driving basics and study for the AVOP at your target airport so you can pass quickly.

  3. Target the right employers. Large airports (like Toronto Pearson or Ottawa) often hire through ground handling firms that provide robust training and steady hours. Smaller airports may offer broader duties (fuel farm + ramp + general aviation) which can speed up your learning curve.

  4. Build your safety culture. Learn and follow CSA B836 fueling principles, take meticulous fuel samples, and never rush bonding/grounding steps. Reputations are built on safety and accuracy in this job.

  5. Plan your growth. After 12–18 months, ask for cross-training: hydrant operations, quality control, or spill response lead. Consider a part-time Aviation Operations or Management diploma at an Ontario college to prepare for supervisor roles. Your fuelling experience will be a real asset in operations, safety, or airline ground services leadership.

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FAQ

Do I need a DZ licence to become an Aircraft Refueller in Ontario?

Not always, but it’s often preferred or required for operating fuel trucks. Some hydrant-only roles (where fuel comes from Underground pits via hydrant carts) may not need a DZ. However, having a Class D with Z endorsement (DZ) makes you more employable and may increase your pay. Learn more about commercial licences here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/commercial-drivers-licence

What security clearances do I need to work airside as a refueller?

Most positions require a Restricted Area Identity Card (RAIC), which includes a Transport Canada background check. You’ll apply through your employer once you receive a conditional job offer. Without a RAIC you won’t be able to access many restricted areas. Details: https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/aviation-security/security-screening-personnel/restricted-area-identity-card-raic-program

Is there a difference between fuelling at a big hub like Pearson and a smaller regional airport?

Yes. At Toronto Pearson, you’ll likely work within a large team, use hydrant systems frequently, and focus on high-volume, tight-turnaround airline operations. At regional airports, you may handle a wider range of tasks—fuelling general aviation and medevac aircraft, managing the fuel farm, and even supporting ramp operations. The variety can accelerate your learning, while hubs offer volume and specialization.

How do Ontario refuellers handle winter and extreme weather?

You’ll receive training in cold-weather operations: layering PPE, safely handling icy equipment, managing static electricity risks in dry conditions, and coordinating with de-icing teams. Expect slower movements, longer checks, and more communication. Employers provide winter PPE and spill kits; you’ll be expected to follow environmental and safety procedures closely in snow and slush.

Can fuelling lead to other aviation careers in Ontario?

Absolutely. Many refuellers move into lead hand, supervisor, or trainer roles, or shift into fuel quality control, environmental compliance, airport operations, or airline ground services. If you pair your experience with a college Aviation Operations/Management diploma (for example, at Seneca, Georgian, or Centennial), you can open doors to planning, safety, or management roles across Ontario airports.

Job outlook and additional labour market information (Ontario):

Standards and training:

Airside driving:

Ontario colleges (for optional advancement):

Major Ontario airports:

If you’re ready to get started, focus on WHMIS/TDG, a clean driver’s abstract, and AVOP preparation, and apply to ground handling and fuel service providers at the Ontario airports where you want to work. This is a practical, essential, and respected way to build a career in aviation in Ontario.

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