The standards council of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has denied NATA’s Tentative Interim Amendment (TIA) 1558, which calls for the removal of the upcoming NFPA 407 requirements for automatic overfill protection systems at all airport loading racks that are compatible with mobile refuelers. NATA continues to believe these systems are an unnecessary and onerous burden for many small and midsize aviation businesses and that the proponents of the measure, which is set take effect on June 2, have failed to produce data that supports the need for implementation.

As a result, the organization has filed a Notice of Intent to Petition the NFPA board of directors as a last-ditch effort to oppose the requirement. In the meantime, with the deadline now less than a month away, NATA suggests that FBOs and other affected businesses work with their local authorities to request a modification to the retroactive component of the requirement, which could preclude existing equipment from the looming compliance date. It has prepared a form letter for use by those companies seeking such a modification.

While NFPA standards aren't mandatory by themselves, many local authorities incorporate them into their regulations for businesses and organizations in their jurisdictions.