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FUEL TANK SELECTOR VALVE SYSTEMS FOR CESSNA 402C |
On October 5, 2009, the FAA issued a Special Airworthiness Inspection Bulletin (SAIB) for Cessna Model 402Cs. The bulletin discusses a potential issue with the fuel tank selector valve. The valve in the 402 incorporates a detent system as a positive way to identify valve position and lock. The SAIB is applicable to all aircraft that use a detented fuel selector valve system. We recommend that you check the system once during your preflight procedures and once again postflight by moving the valve handle back and forth through its entire range of travel. The valve should operate smoothly and the detents should have a positive feel. If the valve feels sloppy or moves easily past the detents, we recommend you postpone your flight until maintenance personnel inspect the system and repair it. The accident which prompted the FAA to issue this SAIB was caused, in part, by the failure of maintenance personnel to identify the problem with the detent operation of the fuel selector valve. We recommend that at your next annual or progressive inspection, you discuss the detent system with your mechanic to ensure that she or he understands it, inspects it, and marks it off on a maintenance checklist as having been inspected. We further suggest that you dilegently review the maintenance checkist after the inspection and before you take delivery of the airplane. |