Fuel tank pumps
 

The FAA have issued their directive.
Some of us self loading freight read the news.
How do you engineering folks get to the pump and inspect.
How long does it take to get at it.
What do you have to do about fuel fumes.
I ask because Im due to go on me holidays :confused:

Re: Fuel tank pumps
 

(1) If a directive (AD or Airworthiness Directive in the official terminology) is issued, it'll be done on time or the aircraft is grounded - end of story, that's the way the regulations work.

(2) Pretty much all aircraft parts, at least moving parts are designed to be line replaceable. They'll either be swapped out and checked on the bench, or are designed that they can be checked easily enough. Your safety won't be compromised.

(3) This is AVTUR (basically very clean Diesel), not AVGAS or (basically high octane petrol), the fumes are generally not a significant problem at sea level conditions - it's in the heat or at high altitudes that a lot of fumes get given off creating a significant hazard. Mind you, it won't be much fun, but not life threatening.

G

Dear Capn Notarious,

Please refer to my post in the Reporting Points forum on the same subject. AD 2002-18-52 is being blown out of all proportion by the news media.

There are few aircraft with the suspect pumps fitted - mostly those built since the beginning of this year in fact. The AD does not actually call for inspection of the fuel pump, we are merely required to ascertain the part number. If operators can demonstrate that they have none of the affected part number in their fleet, no action is needed. If any aircraft in the fleet has an affected pump installed then the Airplane Flight Manual is revised to state the minimum fuel levels required in the tank before departure and at arrival. There is no other action at this stage. Eventually a corrective modification will be approved and another AD will make that modification mandatory and permit removal of the Flight Manual revision.

To answer your questions.

1. Open a panel on the lower surface and there it is. You can read the Part Number and Serial Number directly from the data plate.
2. About half an hour, but it depends on how rusty the panel screws are.
3. There should be no fuel fumes as there is no need to disturb anything. The tank remains sealed.

In the event that a fuel pump needs to be removed for any reason, a shut-off mechanism isolates the pump housing from the fuel tank, the bolts are undone and the pump is drawn out of the pump housing on the lower wing surface. There will be some residual fuel in the pump which is a bit messy, but not a huge problem. Thats what rags are for. The whole job should take no more than an hour although things don't always go according to plan. Occasionally the mechanism that isolates the pump housing from the fuel tank jams and allows some fuel to escape. The unfortunate technician then gets covered in fuel and needs to knock-off early and go for a shower and a change of clothes.

Please enjoy your holidays and leave us to do the worrying. Thats what we're paid for.

BTW, are you going anywhere nice?

Well thankyou very much for the how to do it. I appreciate you
taking the time to submit a detailed reply[SIZE=4
]May your spanner never fall and be difficult to retrieve. [/SIZE]