C E R T A L E R T

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ADVISORY  *  CAUTIONARY  *  NON-DIRECTIVE

AIRPORT SAFETY AND OPERATIONS DIVISION  AAS-300
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DATE:		19 DECEMBER 2001                                                              NO. 01-04

TO:		AIRPORT CERTIFICATION PROGRAM INSPECTORS

TOPIC:	DEICING FLUID CONTAINING POTASSIUM FORMATE
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BACKGROUND:
On Dec 6th, 2001, the Boeing Company issued Service Bulletin ALERT # 737-24A1148 effecting all 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 airplane models that are prone to suffer corrosion of electrical connectors located in the wheel well resulting in incorrect function of critical systems necessary for safe flight.  Boeing issued the ALERT after two operators of such airplanes reported significant corrosion to the electrical connectors.  The airplanes involved operated on runways that were treated with the deicing fluid containing potassium formate.  

Note:  potassium acetate is NOT a potassium formate and thus potassium acetates are not part of the CERT ALERT.

ACTION:
Although manufacturers and vendors of potassium formate did receive independent lab certification in accordance with AC 150/5200-30 deicer specification SAE AMS 1435, airport operators should not use deicing products containing potassium formate, such as Aviform L50, until further notice.  This moratorium will remain in effect until the corrosive behavioral mechanisms of potassium formate are better understood, the corrosion inhibiting compounds (CIC) applied to airplanes are evaluated for effectiveness, and SAE AMS runway specifications are modified accordingly.

In addition, airplane operators may contact airport operators to obtain information about deicing materials used on runways.  Boeing has recommended that each airplane operator request data about the components of the fluids used to deice runways and to inspect the recommended application of CIC every 12 months.

For more information, please contact George Legarreta, AAS-100, at 202-267-8766.

__________ _OSB	 ____________________                          _19 December 2001 
    Benedict D. Castellano, Manager                                                       Date
Airport Safety and Operations Division

DISTRIBUTION:  CERTALERT Distribution List