# Federal Register #2026-21862

FAA directive for Boeing 737 fuel shutoff-panel gasket inspections and leak tests

**Buyer:** Federal Aviation Administration
**Posted:** October 27, 2026
**Identifier:** 2026-21862

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a safety directive requiring inspection and leak testing on certain Boeing 737 airplanes.
- **Government buyer and issuing agency:** U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); no sub-agency office is specified.
- **OEM:** **Boeing** is the aircraft manufacturer and publisher of the referenced service bulletin.
- **Affected aircraft:** Boeing Model 737-700, -700C, -800, and -900ER series airplanes.
- **Required work:** Inspect the left- and right-side form-in-place gaskets at the engine fuel shutoff valve access panels, perform fluid leak tests, and take applicable corrective actions. These may include replacing a gasket, repairing a leak, and repeating the test until no leak is found.
- **Safety concern and reference:** Incorrect or missing sealant could allow fuel to reach an engine exhaust nozzle and cause a ground fire. Follow Boeing Alert Requirements Bulletin 737-57A1359 RB, Revision 1.
- **Procurement status:** This is a regulatory safety action, not a purchase request or contract award; no products, quantities, or contract value are specified.

### Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive for certain Boeing Model 737-700, -700C, -800, and -900ER series airplanes. The directive responds to a reported leak through the form-in-place gasket at the engine fuel shutoff valve access panel. It requires inspection of the left- and right-side gaskets for correct sealant installation, fluid leak testing of the access panels, and applicable on-condition actions. The unsafe condition could result in fuel leaking onto the engine exhaust nozzle and a possible fire on the ground.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/27/2026-21862/airworthiness-directives-the-boeing-company-airplanes)