AD/B727/195 Operating Limitation Auxiliary Fuel Tank Fuel Pump (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Boeing 727 Series Aeroplanes

AD/B727/195 Operating Limitation - Auxiliary
Fuel Tank Fuel Pump 10/2005 DM

Applicability:

Model 727, 727C, 727-100, 727-100C, 727-200 and 727-200F series aeroplanes, equipped with an auxiliary fuel tank which has a fuel pump installed.

Requirement:

Revise the Limitations section of the Boeing 727 Aircraft Flight Manual (AFM) to contain the following information.  This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this Directive in the AFM.

"Auxiliary Tank Fuel Pumps

Auxiliary tank fuel pump switches must be positioned `OFF' unless the auxiliary tank(s) contain fuel. Auxiliary tank(s) fuel pumps must be `OFF' unless personnel are available in the flight deck to monitor low pressure lights.

When established in a level attitude at cruise, if the auxiliary tank(s) contain usable fuel and the auxiliary tank(s) pump switches are `OFF,' the auxiliary tank(s) pump switches should be positioned `ON' again.

Each auxiliary tank fuel pump switch must be positioned `OFF' without delay, for all conditions including takeoff and climb, when the respective auxiliary tank fuel pump low pressure light illuminates."

When text identical to that above has been included in the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the copy of this Directive may be removed from the AFM.

Note:  FAA AD 2005-13-40 Amdt 39-14177 refers.

Compliance:

Within 30 days after the effective date of this Directive.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 4 August 2005.

Background:

This Directive is issued following the completion of a design review of the fuel pump installation by the United States Federal Aviation Administration.  The review revealed a potential unsafe condition related to the auxiliary fuel tank(s).

The Directive is issued to prevent dry operation of the fuel pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank, which could create a potential ignition source inside the auxiliary fuel tank that could result in a fire or explosion of the auxiliary fuel tank.  The Directive requires the revision of the AFM to include limitations on operating the fuel pumps for the auxiliary fuel tank.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

22 July 2005