Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15450 · Various Transport Category Airplanes Equipped With Auxiliary Fuel Tanks Installed in Accordance With Certain Supplemental Type Certificates
Various Transport Category Airplanes Equipped With Auxiliary Fuel Tanks Installed in Accordance With Certain Supplemental Type Certificates
This AD applies to airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with auxiliary fuel tanks installed in accordance with specified supplemental type certificates (STCs), as identified in Table 1 of this AD. This AD does not apply to any airplane where an auxiliary fuel tank was installed in accordance with an STC identified in Table 1 of this AD and subsequently removed by an FAA-approved method.
| Airplanes | Auxiliary tank STC(s) |
|---|---|
| Boeing Model 727-100 series airplanes | ST01587AT |
| Boeing Model 727-200 and -200F series airplanes | SA2033NM, SA1474SO |
| McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-14 airplanes | SA1334NM |
| McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-32, DC-9-32 (VC-9C), DC-9-32F, DC-9-33F, and DC-9-32F (C-9A, C-9B) airplanes | SA1710SO, SA1358NM |
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various transport category airplanes. This AD requires deactivation of Southeast Aero-Tek, Inc., auxiliary fuel tanks. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer, which identified potential unsafe conditions for which the manufacturer has not provided corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
Within 45 days after the effective date of this AD, submit a report to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. The report must include the information listed in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD, and assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) The airplane registration and auxiliary tank STC number installed.
(2) The usage frequency in terms of total number of flights per year and total number of flights per year for which the auxiliary tank is used.
On or before December 16, 2008, deactivate the auxiliary fuel tanks, in accordance with a deactivation procedure approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO. Any auxiliary tank component that remains on the airplane must be secured and must have no effect on the continued operational safety and airworthiness of the airplane. Deactivation may not result in the need for additional instructions for continued airworthiness.
Note 1: Appendix A of this AD provides criteria that should be included in the deactivation procedure. The proposed deactivation procedures should be submitted to the Manager, Atlanta ACO, as soon as possible to ensure timely review and approval.
Note 2: For technical information, contact Randy Smith, President, Southeast Aero-Tek, Inc., 675 Oleander Drive, Merritt Island, Florida 32952; telephone (321) 453-7876; fax (321) 453-7872.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Appliances and equipment
