FAA Issues New Safety Corrections for 727s

The Federal Aviation Administration followed up a recent inspection order covering Boeing 727s with detailed directions for airlines to replace any damaged wires and wrap them with an additional layer of slippery Teflon tape to guard against further wear from rubbing against the metal tubes that carry the wires to fuel pumps inside the fuel tanks. The FAA on Friday ordered urgent inspections of more than 1,000 U.S.-registered Boeing Co. 727 aircraft for any tank leaks caused by wiring problems after two cargo airlines reported damage that could have allowed a spark to touch off a fire or an explosion. Years of vibration are thought to be responsible for the wire damage. FAA said 727 aircraft with more than 50,000 flight hours should have their wiring checked, replaced or wrapped with extra Teflon, as necessary, within 20 days. Aircraft with between 30,000 and 50,000 hours should be seen to within 30 days. Work on all other 727s should be done before they reach 30,000 flight hours. The FAA said in a statement that its order affects 1,051 U.S.-registered aircraft. It estimated the work would take 12 employee-hours per aircraft at a total cost to the U.S. fleet of $756,720.