23 October 2007
FR Doc E7-20823 - Docket No. FAA-2007-0074
FAA

Proposed AD would require replacement of the wire harness of the auxiliary hydraulic pump with a new one, and routing the new wire harness outside of the tire burst area. The proposed AD results from fuel system safety reviews conducted by the manufacturer and reports of shorted wires in the right wheel well and evidence of arcing on the power cables of the auxiliary hydraulic pump.

This proposed AD indicates that insufficient attention is paid to so-called SWAMP areas of the airplane, such as wheel wells (SWAMP = severe weather and moisture prone).
Proposed AD affects 110 airplanes in worldwide service, of which 16 are in U.S. registry. Cost is pegged at $4,500 per airplane.
The work must be done within 18 months.

The FAA says:

“We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential of an ignition source adjacent to the fuel tanks which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.”

Comments are due 7 December 2007.