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A18016 – Falls Filtration FAA-PMA Fuel Filter / Strainer Element
Available now on the Airparts.aero Marketplace.
The Falls Filtration A18016 is a high-precision, FAA-PMA certified fuel filter strainer element designed to provide critical protection for aircraft fuel systems. In the hierarchy of engine reliability, the fuel strainer is the primary line of defense against particulate contamination, including scale, sediment, and environmental debris that can compromise fuel metering accuracy or cause catastrophic blockage of carburetor jets and fuel injector nozzles. This element is engineered as a direct replacement for various OEM fuel strainers, offering a superior balance of high-flow rates and fine-particulate retention.
Constructed using a high-grade stainless steel mesh or specialized pleated media (depending on the specific airframe application), the A18016 is designed to withstand the chemical degradation of Aviation Gasoline (AvGas) and Jet-A. The structural integrity of the A18016 prevents media migration—a failure mode where the filter material itself enters the fuel stream—ensuring that the combustion chamber receives only pristine, filtered fuel. For mechanics and owners, the A18016 represents an essential preventative maintenance component that ensures the continued airworthiness of the aircraft’s fuel delivery system.
Key Features
FAA-PMA Certified: Rigorously tested to meet or exceed the performance specifications of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM), ensuring full legal and technical compliance.
Corrosion-Resistant Construction: Manufactured from high-quality materials resistant to the corrosive effects of fuel additives and water concentrations found in fuel sumps.
Precision Filtration Mesh: Features a specific micron rating designed to capture harmful contaminants while maintaining a low pressure drop ($\Delta P$) across the element.
High-Integrity End Caps: Designed for a precise fit within the strainer bowl assembly, preventing fuel "bypass" and ensuring 100% of the fuel is filtered.
Optimized Surface Area: The design maximizes the filtration surface area to extend the service life and prevent premature clogging during operation.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: A18016
Component Type: Fuel Filter / Strainer Element
Manufacturer: Falls Filtration (formerly Air Maze)
Certification: FAA-PMA Approved
Material: Stainless Steel Mesh or Pleated Composite (Application specific)
Governing Specification: MIL-F-5504 equivalent standards
Compatibility: Replacement for various Cessna, Piper, and Beechcraft OEM filter part numbers.
Aircraft Compatibility
Cessna Single-Engine Series: Widely used in the 120, 140, 150, 170, 172, 175, 180, 182, 185, and 206 models.
Piper Cherokee Series: Compatible with various PA-28 and PA-32 fuel bowl configurations.
Beechcraft Piston Series: Used in various Bonanza and Baron fuel strainer assemblies.
Note: The aircraft’s Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) is the final authority for confirming the correct filter element part number for your specific airframe and engine combination.
Applications
The A18016 is utilized within the Main Fuel Strainer (Gascolator) Assembly. Its role is to filter fuel at the lowest point of the fuel system before it reaches the engine-driven fuel pump or the carburetor/fuel injection servo. It is a critical component for preventing fuel starvation and ensuring consistent engine power.
Why Choose A18016?
Choosing the Falls Filtration A18016 ensures that your fuel system remains protected by a component manufactured under strict FAA quality control systems. While "no-name" filters may fit the bowl, they often lack the correct micron rating or structural stability required for aviation use. A failure of the filter element can lead to an "engine-out" event. The A18016 provides the reliability required for IFR and cross-country operations, ensuring that your engine’s fuel supply is clean and unrestricted.
The A18016 operates on the principle of mechanical exclusion to manage the fluid dynamics within the aircraft's fuel system. From a materials science perspective, the element must maintain its geometric stability under the varying pressures of the fuel system. The filtration media is designed to facilitate laminar flow while trapping particulates that exceed the specified pore size. The efficiency of the A18016 is characterized by its Beta Ratio, which measures the particle count upstream versus downstream.1 Because fuel strainers are often the site of galvanic action due to water accumulation, the A18016 utilizes passivated stainless steel or high-grade alloys to prevent the formation of metallic oxides that could cause downstream contamination. Its ability to withstand high differential pressure ensures that even in the event of partial icing or heavy sediment loading, the structural integrity of the filter prevents a catastrophic bypass of unfiltered fuel.
Note: This is a flight-critical component. The A18016 must be inspected during every 100-hour or annual inspection for signs of contamination, mesh distortion, or corrosion. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic. Ensure the fuel bowl O-ring (e.g., MS29513 series) is replaced during every filter service to prevent fuel leaks. Always perform a rigorous fuel leak check and engine run-up following any fuel system maintenance.
