New FAA Rule to Reduce Fuel Tank Flammability
The US government has implemented a final rule on the Reduction of Fuel Tank Flammability in Transport Category Airplanes to be effective as of 19 September 2008. The final rule amends the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations that require operators and manufacturers of transport category airplanes to take steps - in addition to other required actions - that should greatly reduce the chances of a catastrophic fuel tank explosion.
The final rule requires that passenger aircraft built after 1991 must be retrofitted with technology designed to keep center fuel tanks from catching fire. The teachnology replaces oxygen in the fuel tank with inert gas, which effectively prevents the potential ignition of flammable vapours.
Green Teams
The Green Teams continue to work with airlines to identify potential fuel efficiency aimed to reduce costs, improve operations and develop best practices for the rest of the airline industry.
Facts and Figures
In July, three Green Team visits were completed in Europe, Africa and China. Two fuel implementation projects continued in Europe and the Middle East with good results.
The Green Team initiative resulted in implemented savings of 11.2 million tonnes of CO2 reported by the airlines since the beginning of the campaign. Presently, a total of 84 Green Team assessments have been successfully conducted resulting in identified potential savings of more than 14 million tonnes of CO2.
Breakdown of Identified Savings
- Dispatch = 46%
- Flight Operations = 38%
- Maintenance and Engineering = 15%
- Marketing and Sales = 1%
How to Obtain a Green Team Assessment
The facts and figures prove that every airline should implement a Green Team assessment. For more information on how to obtain a Green Team assessment or additional information, please contact fuelaction@iata.org.