Originally Posted by
Vendee
You will probably find that the access hole is actually there to service a different component but is being used (at a stretch) to get access to this particular fuel line. Panels tend to add weight and reduce strength so the designers have to strike a balance between the needs of the maintainers and the structural requirements of the airframe. Usually the maintainers lose out.
Sorry - we will always push for fewer holes in our structures! Every one has a stress impact and thus a weight impact.