Washington, DC, October 4, 2019 – NATA is distributing free Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) decals to its members in response to recent DEF contamination incidents that have led to inflight emergencies. In the past three years, there have been three separate incidents leading to 15 turbine engine aircraft either being refueled with DEF contaminated jet fuel or refueled with equipment exposed to DEF contaminated jet fuel. These incidents have led to inflight emergencies, including both partial and complete engine failures, nine emergency landings, and at least one aircraft deadstick landing – narrowly avoiding a tragic outcome. These decals can be used to clearly label storage containers and transfer equipment specifically for DEF use to avoid future contamination emergencies.

“We take the risk of DEF contamination very seriously and are pleased to provide, in addition to the decals, free DEF contamination prevention training and a resource webpage with alerts, operational best practices, and fact sheets. Further, NATA offers a cloud-based digital Fuel Quality Control Management System that replaces the pen and paper approach to fuel farm and refueling equipment inspection and maintenance,” stated NATA Managing Director of Safety & Training Michael France.

"A core component of NATA’s mission is to empower the industry to operate safely, we are pleased to increase awareness on these vital issues and provide these important resources,” stated NATA Chief Operating Officer Tim Obitts.

Information on how to get started with the Fuel Quality Control Management System is available at www.nata.aero/Safety1st. 

For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero. 

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.