AerSafe^®
Fuel Tank Ignition Mitigation System
(Meets FQIS and FTFR Requirements)

Introducing AerSafe, AerSale’s cost-saving solution to meet the FAA's latest fuel quantity indication system and  fuel tank flammability mitigation requirements

FQIS (Fuel Quantity Indication System) Background

The FAA’s published airworthiness directives (AD) focused on the fuel quantity indication system for several different airframe platforms. The ADs were issued to prevent ignition sources inside the center fuel tank, which in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion. The AerSafe system, which was originally designed to comply with the FAA mandate for Fuel Tank Flammability (FTFR), is an FAA certified Ignition Mitigation Means (IMM) under 14 CFR 25.981 (a)(c)(d).

FTFR (fuel tank flammability reduction) Background

The FAA’s published Fuel Tank Flammability Reduction Rule (FTFR) mandates that operators of transport category aircraft must take measures to mitigate the possibility of fuel tank vapor ignition in certain aircraft models. To avoid being grounded, all affected passenger aircraft flying within or into the United States under FAR Part 121 operations must be equipped with an FAA-approved fuel tank migration means to meet the FTFR mandate. Affected aircraft models include the Airbus 319, 320, 321, and 330 and Boeing 737, 757, 767, and 777.

AerSafe Development

(ref: FAA Advisory Circular 120-98A), OEMs offer nitrogen inerting systems for their aircraft; however, these systems are expensive to purchase with lead times ranging from 6-12 months and costly to maintain. AerSale recognized the opportunity to develop an engineered solution to comply with FTFR requirements, and we are proud of our engineers and technicians who have successfully brought AerSafe to market as a safe, reliable, and low-cost FTFR means of compliance.  As the FTFR requirement has largely been complied with, AerSafe has a new calling - helping operators comply with the FQIS ADs.

AerSafe Functionality

AerSafe® is an EASA and FAA-approved method of compliance (MOC) to meet the requirements of 14 CFR 25.981 (c) and 121.1117. It is a fuel tank flammability reduction system developed by AerSale, and one of the few FAA approved ignition mitigation means currently available that complies with the Fuel Quantity Indication System (FQIS) AD and Fuel Tank Flammability Reduction (FTFR) rule. AerSafe exempts aircraft installed with an IMM solution from complying with the FQIS AD. The FTFR rule requires fuel tank ignition sources and flammability exposure to be reduced in fuel tanks that are most at risk.

The AerSafe system limits the amount of available oxygen within the empty space of the fuel tank where fuel vapors are present and prevents sparks or other ignition sources from initiating an explosion. It has been tested and developed to exact tolerances to fill the cavity of Boeing and Airbus center fuel tanks.

The foam system is comprised of multiple blocks of highly porous material which completely fill the aircraft center tank interior, with negligible voids.  Precision hot wire cut individual reticulated polyurethane foam blocks are installed through the existing inspection/maintenance access panels in accordance with installation drawings. The system properties allow for free movement of fuel within the tank and into the fuel delivery system to the engines, whilst preventing gross over-pressure or explosion within the tank by limiting the extent of any vapor/air ignition to a small local detonation, preventing it propagating throughout the tank.

Benefits of AerSafe

Our AerSafe customers have already saved millions by avoiding the purchase of expensive OEM inerting systems to meet current FQIS and FTFR requirements for their aircraft. 

• Delivered as a complete prefabricated kit for efficient installation
• Material design is optimized for easy installation
• Can be installed at hangars worldwide
• Minimal down time for installation
• No mechanical parts to potentially fail
  (Consists of precision cut polyurethane reticulated open cell foam membrane)
• Post installation, AerSafe is virtually maintenance-free
• No hard-time or life-limited components to replace
• No kit post-installation flight test requirements
• No air separator module (ASM) - avoids potential ASM failure due to high ozone level exposure
• Full compliance with 14 CFR 25.981
• Aircraft can be AerSafe modified and de-modified without any aircraft structural changes
• 50% cheaper than OEM solution

Current Fuel Quantity Indicating System (FQIS) Airworthiness Directives

FAA AD 2016-07-07

This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes.

• AerSale was granted an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Ref: 784-22-2366
• AerSale AerSafe Solution STC No. ST04534AT when installed makes this AD not applicable to aircraft equipped with the Ignition Mitigation Means (IMM)

 FAA AD 2019-23-04

This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 727, 727-100, 727C, 727-100C, 727-200, and 727-200F series airplanes, equipped with Boeing body-mounted auxiliary fuel tanks.

• AerSale was granted an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) Ref: 7A0-21-8580
• AerSale AerSafe Solution STC No. ST04515AT when installed makes this AD not applicable to aircraft equipped with the Ignition Mitigation Means (IMM)

 FAA AD 2019-24-01

This AD applies to the Airbus SAS airplanes Model for which AerSafe was granted an Alternative Means of Compliance (AMOC)

1. Model A318-111, -112, -121, and -122 airplanes. (Not covered by AerSafe)
2. Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes. (AMOC)
3. Model A320-211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and -233 airplanes. (AMOC)
4. Model A321-111, -112, -131, -211, -231, -212, -213, and -232 airplanes. (AMOC)
5. Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -223F, -243, and -243F airplanes. (Currently in development for new STC, expected September 2023 certification)
6. Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, -313, -541, and -642 airplanes. (Not covered by AerSafe)

• AerSale AerSafe Solution STC No. ST04010NY when installed makes this AD not applicable to aircraft equipped with the Ignition Mitigation Means (IMM)

 FAA AD 2020-18-12

This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 777-200, 777-200LR, and 777-300 series airplanes

• AerSale AerSafe Solution STC No. ST04203NY when installed makes this AD not applicable to aircraft equipped with the Ignition Mitigation Means (IMM)

 FAA AD 2020-18-13

This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, (-900, and -900ER currently in certification, expected late August 2023 certification)

• AerSale AerSafe Solution STC No. ST02980NY when installed makes this AD not applicable to aircraft equipped with the Ignition Mitigation Means (IMM)

 FAA AD 2020-18-16

This AD applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER) series airplanes

• AerSale AerSafe Solution STC No. ST03599NY (AerSale does not cover the -400) when installed makes this AD not applicable to aircraft equipped with the Ignition Mitigation Means (IMM)

AerSafe Applicability

Passenger aircraft operating under 14 CFR Parts 121, 125, and 129 that must meet the FQIS and FTFR rule. (see: FAA Advisory Circular 120-98A)

• Airbus A319 - FAA Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) No. ST04010NY
• Airbus A320 - FAA STC No. ST04010NY
• Airbus A321 - FAA STC No. ST04010NY
• Airbus A330 - (FAA STC Pending)
• Boeing 727 Series - FAA STC No. ST04515AT
• Boeing 737 NG Series - FAA STC No. ST02980NY
• Boeing 737 Classic Series - FAA STC No. ST03589NY
• Boeing 757 Series - FAA STC No. ST04534AT
• Boeing 767 Series - FAA STC No. ST03599NY
• Boeing 777  Series - FAA STC ST04203NY
  
  Please inquire with an Engineered Solutions specialist for details regarding additional certifications and approval by non-U.S. aviation authorities.