Aero Clubs: Airfields are Rethinking their Fuel Systems
For many aero clubs and small airfields, the fuel system is something that has “always been there”. Electrics have evolved over time, and when the need for change arrives, the mix of hazardous areas, legacy infrastructure and tight budgets can feel daunting. This is exactly the type of environment Meson thrive in.
PART ONE
From “Is This Safe?” to a Clear, Commercially Aware Plan
The first conversation we have with most airfields isn’t about detailed drawings. It’s usually a straightforward question:
“Can we add new equipment to what we already have?”
Many of these sites are older, small‑scale installations, sometimes with electrics dating back decades and very little in the way of up‑to‑date records. Before anything else, Meson carries out a hazardous area electrical inspection.
In a typical one‑day visit, we:
Assess the existing fuel electrical installation and hazardous areas
Tag and document assets
Test the installation and identify any non‑compliances
Grade findings by risk and urgency
From there, we propose commercially aware solutions:
Reusing safe, serviceable infrastructure
Targeting upgrades where they genuinely add safety or compliance value
Phasing work so it fits around operations and budgets
The aim is a clear plan, not a knee‑jerk recommendation to rip everything out and start again.
Ready to Talk to Our Team Today?
PART TWO
From Inspection to Installation: How Projects Move Forward
Once the inspection is complete, some airfields choose to go further and upgrade or extend their fuel systems. That’s where we often work alongside Octane Holding Group – for new fuel system installations, and Meson for the fuel electrical installation and hazardous area works.
Across sites in the UK, a typical upgrade might include:
New sub mains, TT earthing and earth rods
Updated distribution boards with emergency stop control systems
Wiring and circuit protection for dispensers and associated equipment
Infrastructure to support fuel management and payment systems
Because many clubs operate like a small petrol station for members, adding modern fuel electrical infrastructure and payment capability can be transformative:
Fuel dispensing becomes more reliable and easier to manage
Manual paperwork and invoicing are greatly reduced
Payments and fuel usage are easier to track and audit
Throughout, our approach is the same: keep the airfield operational, address the genuine risks, and focus investment where it makes the biggest difference.
Thinking about your Next System? Give us a Call:
PART THREE
Community, Trust and the Bigger Picture for us
The airfield world is a tight‑knit community. Clubs talk and members move between sites. When someone finds a team that understands hazardous areas, respects budgets and doesn’t over‑specify, word spreads quickly.
Many of the airfields we support came to us after years of limited or informal maintenance. Common themes include:
Legacy installations with no recent electrical certification
Modifications made by well‑meaning electricians without hazardous‑area experience
A lack of clarity on what “good” looks like for fuel electrical installations
By combining formal hazardous area expertise with commercial awareness, Meson helps clubs move from uncertainty to confidence:
For inspections, clubs work directly with Meson to understand the true condition of their fuel electrical installation and what’s needed to stay safe and compliant.
For new installations including the electrical and hazardous area elements that make it safe to operate.
Over time, repeat inspections and targeted upgrades build a safer, more robust infrastructure without unnecessary expense or disruption.
Airfields also see a softer, but important benefit: peace of mind. Committees and owners know they’ve had specialists look at the installation, that issues are prioritised sensibly, and that they’re not being pushed into work they don’t need.
If you’re running an aero club or airfield and you’re unsure about the state of your fuel electrical installation – or you’re considering a new fuel system, the best next step is simple: start with a site visit from Meson and an honest conversation about your options.
Other Aviation Fuel Systems
Meson provides specialist aviation fuel services for major airports, including Cardiff and Leeds Bradford International, and we also deliver fully compliant helicopter refuelling stations.
The Meson team travelled to Stratford‑upon‑Avon to carry out the electrical installation for a helicopter refuelling station, working to a tight programme with just two weeks between quote acceptance and installation.
Through careful planning and execution, the project was delivered on time, enabling the customer to quickly and safely refuel their helicopters directly from their yard. If a similar solution could support your operations, we would be pleased to discuss your requirements.
Speak to our team today.
0113 286 4300
enquiries@mesonelectrical.com
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