The Federal Aviation Administration (
The Federal Aviation Administration (
The airworthiness directive (AD) is one of many FAA initiatives to enhance fuel tank safety, including a proposed rule that would require airplane manufacturers and operators to change how airplane fuel tanks are designed, maintained and operated. The FAA has also issued or proposed nearly 40 airworthiness directives (ADs) on fuel tank safety.
This action is intended to prevent the ignition of fuel vapors inside the center wing fuel tank. The FAA has determined that it is necessary to turn off fuel pumps when the tank is depleted of fuel; extended dry operation can result in overheating and excessive wear of the pump bearings. This in turn has the potential to create an ignition source that could cause a fuel tank explosion.
The AD, effective immediately, calls for the following limitations, which will be placed in 737 flight manuals:
For ground operations, center tank fuel pump switches must not be positioned to ON when the fuel quantity is below 1,000 pounds.
Fuel pump switches must be positioned to OFF when both low pressure lights illuminate.
Fuel pumps must not be ON unless personnel are available in the flight deck to monitor low pressure lights.
The AD effects 1,501 U.S.-registered 737s at an estimated cost of $60 per aircraft.
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