FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive: Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 Fuel Shutoff Valve Gasket Inspection

The FAA is proposing a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) targeting certain Boeing 737-8, 737-9, and 737-8200 aircraft — the MAX family — following the discovery of a fuel leak through a form-in-place (FiP) gasket during a routine leak check at the engine fuel shutoff valve access panel. The proposed directive would mandate two types of detailed inspections depending on aircraft configuration: one focused on verifying correct sealant installation of the FiP gasket, and another checking for physical damage on the preformed seal. Both inspection types are then followed by a fluid leak test of the engine fuel shutoff valve access panel to confirm the absence of leaks. If any defects or leaks are identified during inspection, applicable on-condition corrective actions must be taken before the aircraft can be returned to service. The FAA considers an unaddressed fuel leak at this location an unsafe condition with serious airworthiness implications. This is a proposed rule open for public comment, not yet in effect. Once finalized, it would be mandatory for all operators of the affected Boeing 737 MAX variants operating under FAA oversight.

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