Continental to Use TDG's Fuel Tank Safety Unit on B-757s and B-737NGs

Continental Airlines will install TDG Aerospace's UFI (universal fault interrupter) on its B-757-200/300s, followed by its B-737NGs after the system is certified for those airplanes.

The UFI is designed to protect center fuel tank systems from dangerous electrical faults, extended dry pump operation and un-commanded pump operation, each of which are the subject of pending regulatory mandates.  It is also approved as an alternative way of compiling with FAA AD (airworthiness directive) 2002-24-51, thus eliminating the costs of carrying 1,000 pounds of extra fuel to meet its requirements.

The device provides an alternative to what TDG describes as "the more fragmented" SFAR (special federal aviation regulation) 88 solutions while offering similar levels of protection.

TDG previously worked with American Airlines to develop a UFI installation kit for B-757s, which can now be routinely accomplished on overnight maintenance visits. The company says it   continues to work with its industry partners to reduce its installation labor requirements even further.

Certification testing of the UFI for 737NGs will begin shortly, TDG says, and expects that system to be available for delivery as early as the third quarter of this year.  06-10-2007.

Click here to become a registered Flt Tech Online subscriber and receive headlines delivered to your e-mail each week

Click here to go back to the headlines