Safety 1st Alert – A4A Bulletin: Mandatory Emergency Actions for Filter Monitor Vessels/Elements
Safety 1st Alert – A4A Bulletin: Mandatory Emergency Actions for Filter Monitor Vessels/Elements
On
October 6, 2023, Airlines for America (A4A), publishers of Spec 103 -
Standard for Jet Fuel Quality Control at Airports (ATA 103), issued
Bulletin 2023.2 - Mandatory Emergency Actions for Filter Monitor
Vessels/Elements.
The bulletin calls for the immediate implementation of 8 emergency
actions where Filter Monitors are used and comes after Facet Filters
failed secondary ICP Copper Testing, which is used to detect downstream
SAP (super absorbent polymer) migration (see NATA Safety 1st Alert SFA_2023.1).
The eight emergency actions are summarized below with the full bulletin available here. These
actions are mandatory for all into-plan refueling operations that
operate to the ATA 103 standard. While many operators at general
aviation airports have not formally adopted the ATA 103 standard, it is
recommended that all into-plane refueling operators implement these
actions immediately:
ACTION 1: All Facet Brand Filter Monitor Elements Shall
Be Replaced by Other Listed Elements as Soon as Practicable and Filter
Monitor Elements are Limited to Those Listed in ATA 103 Annex A-3.
Although the requirement to remove Facet-brand filter monitors applies
immediately, it will take time to order and replace all Facet filter
monitor elements. Filter monitors shall not be operated outside the
limits and requirements in ATA 103 and all those outlined in this
bulletin. However, all Facet filter monitors shall be removed from service no later than January 1, 2024.
ACTION 2: Filter Monitor Differential Pressure Limit Lowered to 10psi.
ACTION 3: Filter Monitor Differential Pressure Shall be Corrected to Max Flow Rate Daily.
ACTION 4: Filter Monitor Differential Pressure Gauges
Shall Include Visual Guides - DP gauges must be visibly marked to
indicate the 10psi maximum DP.
ACTION 5: Filter Monitor Vessels Shall Include Visual
Guides - will require additional markings on filter vessels that contain
filter monitor elements to alert operator that fueling equipment
contains filter monitors.
ACTION 6: Filter Monitor Inventory Lists will require
all into-plane operators to maintain an up-to-date master list of
fueling equipment fitted with monitor filters.
ACTION 7: Nozzle Screen Cleaning Increased to Bi-Weekly.
ACTION 8: Add Requirement for Downstream Millipore Testing when Filter Monitor Vessels Reach Maximum Differential Pressure (10psi).
For more information or for additional questions please contact NATA at safety1st@nata.aero.