Vulcanair Planes' Dodgy Fuel Gauges Risk Engine Shutdown—FAA Steps In
Published Date: 9/30/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or fly a Vulcanair P.68 or P.68B airplane, listen up! The FAA wants to fix a fuel gauge problem that could cause the engine to shut down mid-flight. They’re proposing updates to the fuel indicator, new warning signs, and manual changes to keep everyone safe. Comments are open until November 16, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory fuel gauge modification and calibration
If you own or operate a Vulcanair P.68 or P.68B (serial numbers 1 through 182) and your airplane has an affected fuel level indicator (P/N NOR7.361-1, NOR7.1037-2, NOR7.361-3, or NOR7.1037-3), you must modify and/or calibrate the fuel level indicator within 2 months after the AD effective date. The FAA estimates per-airplane costs shown in the NPRM: $356 for a modify-and-calibrate action and $425 for a calibrate-only action; the agency estimates the rule would affect four U.S.-registered airplanes.
Required placards and manual updates
All affected P.68 and P.68B airplanes must have new fuel quantity and warning placards installed and the aircraft flight manual (AFM) and aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) updated before further flight after the modification/calibration. The FAA estimates the placards installation cost per airplane at $242 (including $85 labor and $157 parts).
Limits on installing unmodified fuel gauges
As of the AD effective date, you may not install an affected fuel level indicator (listed P/Ns) on Group 1 airplanes unless it has been modified and calibrated, and you may not install or calibrate such indicators on Group 2 airplanes unless done per the AD requirements. This restricts maintenance and parts installation practices for affected airplanes.
Special flight permits with fuel limit
You may be issued a special flight permit to operate the airplane to a location for AD work, but only if fuel quantity in any tank does not drop below one-quarter capacity, including during taxi. This allows ferrying for compliance but sets a one-quarter-tank fuel threshold.
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