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:		11 January 2002						NO.  02-02

TOPIC:	DEICING FLUID CONTAINING POTASSIUM FORMATE
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BACKGROUND:

On December 19, 2001, FAA issued CERTALERT 01-04, DEICING FLUID CONTAINING POTASSIUM FORMATE.  In that CERTALERT, FAA advised that airport operators should not use deicing products containing potassium formate until further notice.  This action was based on the Boeing Company issuing Service Bulletin ALERT # 737-24A1148 effecting all 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 airplane models.  These aircraft were prone to suffer shorting of electrical connectors located in the wheel well resulting in incorrect function of critical systems necessary for safe flight.  The airplanes involved operated on runways that were treated with the deicing fluid containing potassium formate.  

ACTION:

On further investigation, it was revealed that the problem seems to have been limited to the above B-737 derivatives.  Based on this new information, we are cancelling CERTALERT 01-04.  Any airport operator using potassium formate for deicing should inform and coordinate the use of the chemical with the air carriers serving the airport (and other tenants).  This is to ensure that the air carriers are aware of the applicable service bulletins and have taken actions appropriate to their operating environment.  Additionally, the airport operator should follow closely the manufacturer’s direction on application rates. 

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

___________ __OSB____________                         January 11, 2002 
   Benedict D. Castellano, Manager                                   Date
Airport Safety and Operations Division

DISTRIBUTION:  CERTALERT Distribution List