Fuel tank system maintenance program

This regulation requires Part 121 air carriers to maintain a specific fuel tank system maintenance program for most turbine transport aircraft certified after 1958 with 30+ passenger seats or 7,500+ pounds payload capacity.

Key requirements:

• Certificate holders must incorporate FAA-approved fuel tank inspections, procedures, and limitations into their maintenance programs (mandatory after December 16, 2008)
• These programs must be based on Instructions for Continued Airworthiness developed under SFAR 88 or specific Part 25 standards
• Any auxiliary fuel tanks installed under field approval before June 2008 require special maintenance instructions submitted to the FAA
• After any fuel tank alteration, the maintenance program must be updated with new inspections before returning the aircraft to service
• All changes require Principal Inspector review and approval

This matters because fuel tank system deterioration can create ignition sources or flammable conditions. The regulation ensures systematic inspection and maintenance to prevent fuel tank explosions. Ten specific older aircraft models are exempt.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*