Qantas Airways Ltd

Qantas Engineering has noted that the FAA has issued NPRM 2007-NM-351-NM (Boeing 737-300/400/500 series aircraft) and NPRM 2007-NM-354-NM (Boeing 737-600/700/800/900 series aircraft) requiring a periodic suction feed check to test the main engine suction feed system. Qantas Engineering is concerned that low utilization aircraft (600-800 Flight Hours per Annum) may be required to test the suction feed system only once every 10 years since the test is required every 7500 flight hours. Qantas Engineering believes there should be two intervals for the check; one based on flight hours and the other based on calendar time. Boeing has calendar limits for other aircraft redundant safety systems such as the Landing Gear Manual Extension Test in the Boeing 737-600/700/800/900 MPD, Task 32-200-00 & Task 32-220-00. Both these tasks have a calendar limit of 30 months. Qantas Engineering would like to see both a Flight Time Limit of 7500 Flight hours or a Calendar Limit of 38 months (which ever occurs first) to ensure the serviceability of the suction feed system on all 737 series aircraft.