87-20-04: Fuel System
FAA order 87-20-04 is an airworthiness directive in force since September 30, 1987. The FAA's subject line: Fuel System. It names Cessna 185 Skywagon, Cessna A185 Skywagon: about 1,600 aircraft on the U.S. register today across them, though an order usually covers particular versions or serial numbers rather than every one. System: fuel system.
What it applies to as the FAA lists it
- Kind of product
- Aircraft
- Makes
- Cessna Aircraft Company
- Models
- 185, 185A, 185B, 185C, 185D, 185E, A185E, A185F
- On this site
- Cessna 185 Skywagon 228 registered
Cessna A185 Skywagon 1,372 registered
Dates and paperwork
- In force since
- September 30, 1987
- 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 (2,532 characters)
87-20-04 CESSNA: Amendment 39-5733. Applies to Model 185, 185A, 185B, 185C, 185D, 185E, A185E and A185F (Serial Numbers 185-0001 thru 18503153) airplanes certificated in any category.
Compliance: Within the next 50 hours of operation or before completion of the next annual inspection, whichever comes first, after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished per AD 84-10-01.
To prevent power loss or engine stoppage due to water contamination of the fuel system, accomplish the following:
(a) Modify the aircraft fuel system using one of the options on the following subparagraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), or (a)(3).
(1) Install fuel reservoir (accumulator) quick drains in accordance with STC SA2272CE. This STC is owned by Mike Kelley Aircraft Inc., P.O. Box 541, Wellington, Kansas 67152, telephone (316) 326-8581. This STC is applicable to Cessna 185 and 185A thru 185E, A185E and A185F Serial Numbers 185-0001 thru 18503153.
(2) Install fuel reservoir (accumulator) quick drains in accordance with STC SA2245CE. This STC is owned by Safe Air Repair, Inc., 3325 Bridge Avenue, Albert Lea, Minnesota 56007, telephone (507) 373-5408. This STC is applicable to Cessna 185A thru 185E, A185E and A185F, Serial Numbers 185-0414 thru 18503153.
(3) Install quick drains in the fuel reservoir (accumulator) outlet line by using equivalent aircraft standard hardware.
NOTE: A one-time inspection of the Cessna fuel line Part Number 0500106-329 which is used on Serial Number 185-0001 thru 185-0413 should be performed during installation of the fuel reservoir quick drains. This fuel line requires careful attention to routing in order to insure adequate clearance from moving control components located immediately adjacent to this fuel line.
(b) Airplanes may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a location where this AD may be accomplished if it is determined that no water is present in the fuel reservoir (accumulator) or any other part of the fuel system from which fuel will be used.
(c) An equivalent means of compliance with this AD may be used, if approved by the Manager, Aircraft Certification Office, Federal Aviation Administration, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209.
All persons affected by this AD may obtain copies of the document(s) referred to herein upon request to FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Room 1558, 601 East 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri 64106.
This amendment becomes effective on September 30, 1987.
Related safety bulletins advice on the same designs, not orders
2025-07-282025-07 · Reciprocating Engine Supercharger
2021-08-26AIR-21-16 · FLIGHT COMPARTMENT EQUIPMENT, Cessna Seat Back Attachment Bolt Inspection
2018-11-21SW-18-31 · NAVIGATION, ATTITUDE, AND DIRECTION DATA SYSTEM
2018-07-19CE-18-23 · Passenger Compartment Equipment - Installation of F. Atlee Dodge Aircraft Services LLC. Folding Jump Seats
2017-08-25CE-17-25 · ELEVATOR TORQUE TUBE Inspections for cracks and corrosion in elevator torque tubes
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 November 6, 2026. Connections as data: /graph/directive/87-20-04.json · aircraft systems.
