EASA AD US-2018-04-12
Fuel - Fuel Tank - Inspection / Revision of the Maintenance or Inspection Program
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2018-04-12 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addressing all Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This directive mandates modifications to fuel tank wiring to prevent electrical arcing and potential fuel tank explosions. It requires installation of shielded wire bundles and convoluted liners within fuel tank conduits and updates to the maintenance or inspection program to include specific airworthiness limitations.
What Changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory installation of new shielded wire bundles and convoluted liners inside fuel tank conduits on affected Boeing 737 models. It also requires revising the maintenance or inspection programs to incorporate updated airworthiness limitations. This AD follows previous interim actions and represents a more permanent solution to the unsafe condition.
Why It Matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a serious safety risk involving electrical arcing that could lead to fuel tank fires or explosions, potentially causing loss of the airplane. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance. The directive reduces reliance on repetitive inspections by mandating design changes that enhance safety and reliability.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 737-100 through -500 series airplanes must install the specified shielded wire bundles and convoluted liners within the fuel tank conduits by April 9, 2018. They must also revise their maintenance or inspection programs to include the specified airworthiness limitations. Requests for compliance time extensions can be submitted with supporting data but are subject to FAA approval.
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