76-18-04: Fuel Valve
FAA order 76-18-04 is an airworthiness directive in force since September 10, 1976. The FAA's subject line: Fuel Valve. It names Piper PA-28 Cherokee, Warrior, Archer and Arrow, Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six, Lance and Saratoga: about 22,550 aircraft on the U.S. register today across them, though an order usually covers particular versions or serial numbers rather than every one. System: engine.
What it applies to as the FAA lists it
- Kind of product
- Aircraft
- Makes
- Piper Aircraft Inc.
- Models
- PA-28-235, PA-32-260, PA-32-300, PA-32R-300
- On this site
- Piper PA-28 Cherokee, Warrior, Archer and Arrow 18,633 registered
Piper PA-32 Cherokee Six, Lance and Saratoga 3,917 registered
Dates and paperwork
- In force since
- September 10, 1976
- Published
- September 7, 1976 (signed August 24, 1976)
- Docket
- Unknown
- Status
- Current
- The FAA's document
- Read the order on the FAA's site
The order itself the regulatory text, as published
Show the full text (2,154 characters)
76-18-04 PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION: Amendment 39-2709. Applies to PA-28-235, serial numbers 28-10001 through 28-7610157, equipped with Airborne fuel valve 1-H65- 2, Piper part number 492 259; PA-32-260 serial numbers 32-1 through 32-7600020 equipped with Airborne fuel valve Model 1-H65-2, Piper part number 492 259; PA-32-300 serial numbers 32-40000 through 32-7640109 equipped with Airborne fuel valve Model 1-H65-2, Piper part number 492 259; PA-32R-300 serial numbers 32R-7680001 through 32R-7680423 equipped with Airborne fuel valve Model 1-H65-3, Piper part number 492 262; certificated in all categories.
Compliance required within the next ten hours' time in service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished.
To prevent fuel valve inner port leakage, accomplish the following:
I. Perform the following checks:
1. Fill all fuel tanks to capacity.
2. Actuate the fuel selector valve quick drain handle a minimum of three (3) times. Insure that the handle is actuated through its full travel and release slowly each time.
3. Start engine and run at a 1000 R.P.M. setting with electric fuel pump on.
4. Place fuel selector valve in the OFF position.
5. Continue to run the engine at 1000 R.P.M. until fuel has been exhausted and not to exceed the seven (7) minute duration.
If fuel exhaustion occurs and the engine quits within the seven (7) minute running period, make an appropriate log book entry.
The checks required by this AD may be performed by the pilot. For the requirements regarding the listing of compliance and method of compliance with this AD in the airplane's maintenance record, see FAR 91.173.
II. If the engine continues to run for the full seven (7) minute period, replace the fuel selector valve with the appropriate serviceable fuel valve and repeat Paragraph I.
An equivalent means of compliance with this AD must be approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, Federal Aviation Administration, Southern Region.
Piper Service Bulletin No. 519 also pertains to this same subject.
This amendment becomes effective September 10, 1976.
Related safety bulletins advice on the same designs, not orders
2022-10-192022-20 · Wing Spar
2021-06-29AIR-21-10 · Wing, Attach Fittings (JASC 5740)
2021-03-30AIR-21-07 · WING SPAR, Verification of Correct Washers used with Wing Spar Attach Bolts
2018-11-21SW-18-31 · NAVIGATION, ATTITUDE, AND DIRECTION DATA SYSTEM
2018-08-30CE-18-25 · Powerplant; Air Intake
Source: FAA Dynamic Regulatory System, airworthiness directives. The FAA's document is the authority; the register counts are this site's, from the FAA register of October 7, 2026. Connections as data: /graph/directive/76-18-04.json · aircraft systems.