EASA AD US-2018-07-20
Fuel - Auxiliary Fuel Tank - Inspections / Repair
Summary
Federal Aviation Administration Airworthiness Directive 2018-07-20 is a final rule affecting certain Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. It mandates inspections and repairs related to the wire bundles in the center upper auxiliary fuel tank to prevent damage and potential ignition sources. This directive updates previous requirements to enhance safety by reducing the risk of fuel tank explosions.
What Changed
This AD supersedes Airworthiness Directive 2014-03-07 by adding new inspection requirements and expanding the applicability to additional airplane configurations. It requires inspections of wire bundles for damage at specific locations on the center upper auxiliary fuel tank and mandates installation of nonmetallic barrier sleeving, new clamps, attaching hardware, and an extruded channel. The directive clarifies inspection areas and airplane group/configuration applicability based on the latest Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 6.
Why It Matters
The directive addresses a critical safety concern by reducing the risk of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which could lead to fuel tank explosions and loss of the airplane. Operators, maintenance, and compliance teams must understand the updated inspection and repair requirements to ensure continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance. Proper implementation prevents potential catastrophic failures and enhances overall fleet safety.
What To Do
Affected operators must perform the specified inspections and corrective actions on the wire bundles of the center upper auxiliary fuel tank according to Boeing Service Bulletin MD11-28-126, Revision 6. They must comply with the AD requirements by May 21, 2018, the effective date. Operators who have previously complied with earlier revisions of the service bulletin should verify their airplane's configuration and perform any additional inspections or repairs as required by this AD.
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