Final answer:
Ground power units must maintain safe distances during refuel/defuel operations to prevent ignition of fuel vapors, often requiring 50 feet or more, similar to air traffic separation standards for safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
The safe distance for ground power units during refuel/defuel operations varies with regulations and can depend on several factors including the type of aircraft, the type of fueling system, During refuel/defuel operations, a safe distance for ground power units is typically determined by regulations and guidelines set by aviation authorities. The specific safe distance can vary depending on the type of aircraft and the specific fueling equipment being used.
One example of a safe distance guideline is the Federal Aviation Administration's requirement for commercial airliners to maintain a distance of five miles from another plane flyinand the airport's own safety protocols. Typically, safe distances are specified in operational manuals or by regulatory authorities to ensure that there is minimal risk of ignition from the power units. Ground power units should be placed far enough to eliminate potential ignition sources for fuel vapors, which can require distances of 50 feet (15 meters) or more. Just as with air traffic control where safe separations such as a five-mile distance or a 2,000-foot vertical separation are maintained for safety, refueling operations also have stringent protocols for distance to prevent any incident like a fire or an explosion.