AD/B737/226 - Main Fuel Tank Aft Fuel Boost Pump Wiring

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Legislation au F2006B02922 In force Legislative Instrument

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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 39.1 (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 737 Series Aeroplanes

 

AD/B737/226 Main Fuel Tank Aft Fuel Boost Pump Wiring 8/2004

 

Applicability: Model 737-600, 737-700, 737-700C, 737-800 and 737-900 series aeroplanes, as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 737-28A1148, Revision 2, dated 18 December 2003.

 

Note 1: The term ‘service bulletin’, as used in this Directive, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1148, Revision 2, dated 18 December 2003.

 

Requirement 1. For aeroplanes listed in the service bulletin as Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 on which Boeing ASB 737-28A1148, dated 14 September 2000, has been accomplished and for aeroplanes listed in the service bulletin as Groups 5, 6 and 7 - Install screws and spacers to secure the applicable wire bundles for the aft fuel boost pumps of the main fuel tanks in accordance with the service bulletin.

 

2.         For aeroplanes listed in the service bulletin as Groups 1 and 2 on which Boeing ASB 737-28A1148, dated 14 September 2000, has not been accomplished - Perform a general visual inspection of the applicable wire bundles for the aft fuel boost pumps of the main fuel tanks for chafing or other damage in accordance with the service bulletin.

 

3.         If any discrepancies were noted during the Requirement 2 visual inspection, perform any applicable corrective action together with installing a new bracket, clamp and spacers to secure the wire bundles in accordance with the service bulletin.

 

4.         For aeroplanes listed in the service bulletin as Groups 3 and 4 on which ASB 737-28A1148, dated 14 September 2000, has not been accomplished - Perform, in accordance with the service bulletin, a general visual inspection of the applicable wire bundles for the aft fuel boost pumps of the main fuel tanks to determine if the wire bundle is secured with a clamp, if the bundles are clamped no further action is necessary.

 

5.         If, the Requirement 4 inspection reveals that the wire bundles are not clamped, in accordance with the service bulletin, repair the wire bundle if chaffing has occurred and install a new bracket, clamp and spacers to ensure sufficient clearance between the rear spar and structure and the wire bundles.

Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes

 

AD/B737/226 (continued)

 

Actions accomplished before the effective date of this Directive per Boeing ASB 737- 28A1148, Revision 1, dated 22 August 2002, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action specified in this Directive.

 

Note 2: For the purposes of this Directive, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”

 

: Note 3: FAA AD 2004-11-11 Amdt 39-13657 refers.

 

Compliance: For Requirements 1, 2 and 4 - Within six months after the effective date of this Directive,

 

For Requirements 3 and 5 - Prior to further flight after completing the applicable inspection.

 

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 5 August 2004.

 

Background: This Directive requires, for some aeroplanes, installation of screws and spacers to secure the wire bundles for the aft fuel boost pumps of the main fuel tanks. For other aeroplanes a general visual inspection of the wire bundles is required to determine if the wire bundles are clamped and/or damaged; further investigation, as applicable; repair of any damage; and installation of applicable brackets, clamps, and spacers to secure the wire bundles. This action is necessary to prevent electrical arcing in a fuel leakage zone, which could result in an uncontrolled fire.


James Coyne

Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 23 June 2004

 

 

 

 

 


The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 14 July 2004.

Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) issued the Airworthiness Directive (AD)/B737/226 on 5 August 2004, targeting specific models within the Boeing 737 series, namely the 737-600, 737-700, 737-700C, 737-800, and 737-900. This directive was enacted to address the risk of electrical arcing in the fuel leakage zone of the main fuel tanks, which could potentially lead to an uncontrolled fire. The directive was issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR 1998) by a CASA delegate. The primary objective of this AD is to ensure the airworthiness of the affected aircraft by requiring the installation of screws and spacers to secure the wire bundles for the aft fuel boost pumps or conducting a visual inspection and necessary repairs as outlined in the directive.

Scope and Application

The Airworthiness Directive (AD) issued under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 applies specifically to the Boeing 737 Series Aeroplanes, namely the 737-600, 737-700, 737-700C, 737-800, and 737-900 models. This directive pertains to the wiring of the main fuel tank aft fuel boost pumps as detailed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 737-28A1148, Revision 2, dated 18 December 2003. The directive mandates specific actions to address identified safety concerns related to potential electrical arcing in a fuel leakage zone, which could lead to an uncontrolled fire. The requirements differ based on whether certain service bulletins have been previously accomplished, dictating either the installation of screws and spacers, or a visual inspection and subsequent corrective actions if necessary. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within specified timeframes, either six months from the effective date of the directive or prior to further flight following inspection, depending on the requirement. This AD extends to all relevant aircraft within the Australian jurisdiction, ensuring adherence to national safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Airworthiness Directive (AD/B737/226) issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 mandates specific actions for certain Boeing 737 series aeroplanes to address a potential unsafe condition. The directive applies to Boeing 737-600, 737-700, 737-700C, 737-800, and 737-900 series aeroplanes as listed in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) 737-28A1148, Revision 2, dated 18 December 2003. The key requirements involve securing the applicable wire bundles for the aft fuel boost pumps of the main fuel tanks and conducting inspections for any damage or improper securing. The AD imposes several obligations on the relevant parties. For aeroplanes where Boeing ASB 737-28A1148, dated 14 September 2000, has been completed (Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4), the directive mandates the installation of screws and spacers to secure the wire bundles in accordance with the service bulletin. For aeroplanes in Groups 1 and 2 where the aforementioned ASB has not been accomplished, a general visual inspection of the wire bundles for chafing or other damage is required. If any discrepancies are found, corrective actions and the installation of a new bracket, clamp, and spacers must be performed. Aeroplanes in Groups 3 and 4 that have not completed the ASB must also undergo a visual inspection to determine if the wire bundles are secured with a clamp. If not, the wire bundles must be repaired if chaffing has occurred and new brackets, clamps, and spacers must be installed. Compliance with these requirements must be achieved within specific timeframes: within six months for Requirements 1, 2, and 4, and prior to further flight for Requirements 3 and 5. Failure to comply with the AD can result in serious safety risks, including the potential for electrical arcing in a fuel leakage zone, which could lead to an uncontrolled fire. Although the AD itself does not specify civil or criminal penalties for non-compliance, the broader regulatory framework under which it operates, such as the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, may impose penalties for failing to adhere to airworthiness directives. Non-compliance could potentially result in enforcement actions, including fines and other sanctions, as well as criminal charges for serious breaches that result in harm or endanger safety.

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Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.