EASA AD US-2018-17-20
Fuel - Airworthiness Limitations / Maintenance or Inspection Program - Revision
Summary
The Fuel - Airworthiness Limitations / Maintenance or Inspection Program - Revision is a final rule airworthiness directive issued by the FAA that applies to certain Boeing 727 series airplanes. It mandates updates to the maintenance or inspection programs to incorporate the latest airworthiness limitations related to fuel tank ignition prevention. This directive addresses safety concerns to prevent fuel tank explosions caused by ignition sources within the fuel tanks.
What Changed
This airworthiness directive introduces a requirement to revise the maintenance or inspection program to include the latest revision of the airworthiness limitations for fuel tank ignition prevention on Boeing 727 airplanes. It also clarifies allowances for alternative wire types and sleeving materials and terminates previous related ADs. The directive replaces earlier ADs related to fuel tank safety and updates compliance requirements accordingly.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses the risk of fuel tank explosions due to latent failures or maintenance actions that could create ignition sources. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft safety and regulatory conformity. Incorporating the updated airworthiness limitations helps prevent catastrophic failures and supports continued airworthiness of affected Boeing 727 aircraft.
What To Do
Operators of affected Boeing 727 series airplanes must revise their maintenance or inspection programs to incorporate the latest airworthiness limitations related to fuel tank ignition prevention by the effective date. They should review the updated Boeing 727-100/200 Airworthiness Limitations document and ensure compliance with all specified tasks. The effective date for compliance is October 4, 2018.
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