EASA AD US-2018-22-10
Fuel - Fuel System - Review
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2018-22-10 is a final rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) addressing fuel system safety on Boeing Model DC-10, MD-10, and MD-11 series airplanes. It supersedes AD 2016-04-16 and continues to require design modifications to detect electrical faults and pumps running in empty fuel tanks to prevent potential fuel tank explosions. The directive also introduces optional terminating actions for certain compliance requirements.
What Changed
This AD supersedes the previous AD 2016-04-16 by including additional affected ADs and providing new optional terminating actions that can end repetitive inspections and tests. It incorporates updated Boeing service information, including Revision R of the Boeing Trijet Special Compliance Item Report MDC-02K1003, which adds new part numbers and procedures. The AD clarifies that fault current detectors must be installed before terminating certain repetitive actions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation safety as it addresses the risk of ignition sources inside fuel tanks that could lead to explosions and loss of the airplane. Operators, maintenance, and compliance teams must ensure that the required design features and inspections are implemented to mitigate these risks. The AD also streamlines compliance by allowing optional terminating actions, reducing repetitive maintenance burdens once certain modifications are completed.
What To Do
Affected operators must comply with the design feature installations and inspections as specified in the AD and referenced Boeing service bulletins. They should review and incorporate the updated service information, including the latest Boeing Trijet Special Compliance Item Report MDC-02K1003 Revision R, into their maintenance programs. The AD becomes effective on December 12, 2018, and compliance with its requirements must be achieved by that date.
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