Installation of anti-explosive fuel tank devices
11 August 2008
Aircraft accidents due to the explosion of airplane fuel tanks have resulted in US federal officials stating that passenger and cargo planes that have centre wing fuel tanks are to be fitted with an anti-explosion fuel tank device. Previous rules suggested by the Federal Aviation Administration have been refused within the industry due to high costs.
However, manufactures have been given two years to comply with the rule and over the next nine years airlines are also expected to retrofit such devices. Furthermore, aircraft manufacturers and passenger airlines are required to install devices that replace explosive oxygen with inert nitrogen in fuel tanks that are empty. Boeing is already making some new planes with the changes.