Basel, Switzerland — As one of only two worldwide authorized PATS Aircraft Systems modifications centers for auxiliary fuel tank maintenance, Jet Aviation is performing modification work at its Basel and Geneva maintenance centers to comply with FAA AD2008-22-01, an amendment to Special Federal Aviation Regulation 88 ("SFAR 88"). SFAR 88 was introduced to prevent the potential of ignition sources in fuel tanks. All operators are required to comply with the directive driving this regulation by December 16, 2009. Jet Aviation has already modified more than 20 aircraft and is currently working on three more. The firm has capacity to modify additional aircraft before the December deadline. Modification work can take up to six weeks.
SFAR 88, which serves to reduce flammability in aircraft, has been in place since December 2002. The 2008 amendment to this regulation specifically addresses auxiliary tank installation, in order to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapours, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
In 2008, the PATS Aircraft Systems of DeCrane Aerospace in Georgetown, Delaware, USA, approached Jet Aviation because of the firm's extensive expertise and experience with BBJs. In taking on this maintenance authorization, Jet Aviation has become one of only two authorized maintenance centers worldwide that can carry out these specific modifications on aircraft with auxiliary tanks. So far, Jet Aviation has modified more than 20 aircraft: 15 at Jet Aviation Basel, and five at Jet Aviation Geneva. The firm will complete modification on three more aircraft by the end of October 2009, and has capacity to modify additional aircraft before the December 16, 2009 deadline.
