FAA Requires Inspection of DC-9/MD-88 and MD-90 Port Heaters and Insulation

Aviation

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA<.>) has ordered operators of DC-9/MD-88 series and MD-90-30 series aircraft to inspect the wiring of static port…

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA<.>) has ordered operators of DC-9/MD-88 series and MD-90-30 series aircraft to inspect the wiring of static port heaters for chafing, loose connections and evidence of arcing, and to make necessary repairs. Operators must also determine if the surrounding insulation is covered with metalized Mylar(tm) (polyethyleneteraphthalate). If so, the Mylar(tm) must be removed and/or replaced with Tedlar(tm)-covered insulation, or other appropriate action must be taken. Static port heaters are small heaters that keep ice from forming on devices that measure air pressure.

The immediately adopted airworthiness directive (AD) is in response to an incident that occurred on Sept. 17, 1999, in which a Delta Air Lines MD-88 experienced a fire in the forward cargo compartment shortly after takeoff from Northern Kentucky International Airport in Covington, Ky. The plane returned to the airport without passenger injuries. In its investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) determined that a spark from a static port heater ignited the fire, which spread by consuming the metalized Mylar(tm) insulation surrounding the heater.

The AD will affect 593 U.S.-registered DC-9-81, -82, -83, -87 and MD-88 aircraft, as well as 12 MD-90-30s. U.S. operators affected, in addition to Delta, are Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Midwest Express Airlines, Trans World Airlines and US Airways. The total cost per aircraft is estimated at $120.

Follow TravelDailyNews International on Google News

Theodore Koumelis

Co-Founder & Managing Director - Travel Media Applications | Website | + Posts

Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.