EASA AD US-2018-07-03
Placard and Markings - Preflight Check of the Fuel Selector Cover
Summary
The Federal Aviation Administration's Airworthiness Directive 2018-07-03 supersedes AD 2018-02-05 and applies to certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. models including PA-28-140, PA-28-150, PA-28-151, PA-28-160, PA-28-161, PA-28-180, PA-28-181, PA-28-236, PA-28-201T, PA-28R-180, PA-28R-200, PA-28R-201, PA-28R-201T, PA-28RT-201, and PA-28RT-201T airplanes. This directive mandates a preflight check of the fuel tank selector cover placards to ensure correct positioning and requires replacement if placards are improperly located. It allows pilots holding at least a private pilot certificate to perform this check.
What Changed
This AD changes the previous inspection requirement of the fuel tank selector cover placards to a preflight check that can be performed by the pilot rather than maintenance personnel. It also permits various fuel selector clocking configurations, providing more flexibility compared to the prior AD 2018-02-05. The core safety objective remains the same but with reduced maintenance burden.
Why It Matters
This directive is important for aviation professionals because it reduces maintenance workload by allowing qualified pilots to perform the preflight check, ensuring timely detection of fuel selector placard misplacement. Proper placard positioning prevents fuel management errors that could lead to fuel starvation and engine power loss, directly impacting flight safety. Compliance helps operators maintain regulatory adherence and avoid potential in-flight emergencies.
What To Do
Operators of affected Piper PA-28 series aircraft must conduct a preflight check of the fuel tank selector cover placards to verify correct placement before flight. If placards are found improperly located, they must be replaced with new ones as specified. Compliance with this AD is required by April 20, 2018, and the check must be recorded in the aircraft maintenance records according to FAA regulations.
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