FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive: Boeing 737 Engine Fuel Shutoff Valve Access Panel FiP Gasket Inspection
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The FAA is proposing a new airworthiness directive (AD) targeting specific Boeing 737 variants — the -700, -700C, -800, and -900ER series — following the discovery of fuel leaks through form-in-place (FiP) gaskets at engine fuel shutoff valve access panels during routine leak checks. The unsafe condition relates to improperly installed sealant that can allow fuel to escape, posing a fire and safety hazard. The proposed AD mandates a detailed inspection of both the left and right side FiP gaskets at the engine fuel shutoff valve access panels to verify correct sealant installation. Operators must also perform a fluid leak test of those access panels to confirm absence of any leakage. If deficiencies are found during inspection or testing, applicable on-condition corrective actions must be carried out before the aircraft returns to service. The rule is currently in the proposed stage, meaning airlines and the public have an opportunity to submit comments before the FAA issues a final directive.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Requires detailed inspection of left and right side form-in-place (FiP) gaskets at the engine fuel shutoff valve access panel for correct sealant installation
- Mandates a fluid leak test of engine fuel shutoff valve access panels to confirm no leakage is present
- Requires applicable on-condition corrective actions if inspection or leak test reveals deficiencies
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Inspect the left side FiP gasket at the engine fuel shutoff valve access panel to verify correct sealant installation
Inspect the right side FiP gasket at the engine fuel shutoff valve access panel to verify correct sealant installation
Perform a fluid leak test of the engine fuel shutoff valve access panels to confirm absence of any leakage
Execute applicable on-condition corrective actions if deficiencies are found during inspection or fluid leak testing
Do not return the aircraft to service until any identified deficiencies from inspection or leak testing have been corrected