2552-16 - FFC FAA-PMA Fuel Cell Assembly for King Air Aircraft

2552-16 – FFC FAA-PMA RH Nacelle Fuel Cell for King Air 90 Series

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Overview

The 2552-16 from FFC (Fuel Cell and Components) is a high-quality, FAA-PMA approved flexible fuel cell, engineered as a direct replacement for the Textron Aviation OEM part number 50-921552-16. This flight-critical bladder tank is designed for the right-hand engine nacelle of the Beechcraft King Air 90 series aircraft. As a Parts Manufacturer Approval (PMA) holder, FFC has demonstrated to the Federal Aviation Administration that this fuel cell meets or exceeds the safety and performance standards of the original equipment part, making it a fully airworthy and certified alternative.

Constructed from advanced, multi-layered rubber and fabric composites, the 2552-16 is designed to fit perfectly within the nacelle structure to safely contain the aircraft's fuel. It provides an equivalent level of durability, fuel resistance, and quality as the OEM part, ensuring the long-term integrity of the aircraft's fuel system.

Key Features

• FAA-PMA Approved Replacement: Fully certified by the FAA as an airworthy, direct replacement for the specified OEM part, offering identical form, fit, and function.

• Direct Replacement for P/N 50-921552-16: Engineered specifically to replace the Textron Aviation right-hand nacelle fuel cell for the King Air 90 series.

• Flexible Bladder-Type Construction: The pliable, multi-ply design allows for a precise fit into the irregular shape of the nacelle fuel bay, maximizing usable fuel volume.

• Multi-Ply, Puncture-Resistant Design: Features multiple layers of reinforced fabric laminated between specialized rubber compounds to provide exceptional strength and resistance to punctures and tearing.

• Meets or Exceeds OEM Specifications: The design, materials, and manufacturing processes have been rigorously tested and approved by the FAA to be at least equal to the original part.

Technical Specifications

• Part Number: 2552-16

• Component Type: Flexible Fuel Cell / Bladder Tank (FAA-PMA)

• OEM Manufacturer: FFC (Fuel Cell and Components)

• Replaces OEM P/N: Textron Aviation 50-921552-16

• Location: Right-Hand (RH) Engine Nacelle Tank

• Material: Multi-layer, vulcanized nitrile rubber and reinforced nylon fabric composite.

• Governing Specification: FAA-PMA No. PQ1001NM, Supplement 119; FFC Engineering Drawings.

Aircraft Compatibility

This FAA-PMA fuel cell is approved for installation on the RH nacelle of the following Beechcraft King Air 90 family aircraft:

• Aircraft Models:

  • King Air C90

  • King Air C90A

  • King Air C90GT

  • King Air E90

Note: Verification of applicability is the absolute responsibility of the installer. The aircraft's current Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) should be consulted to verify the OEM part number, for which this FFC part is a direct replacement.

Applications

• Sole Application: Primary containment and storage of Jet A/A1 fuel in the right-hand nacelle fuel bay of specified Beechcraft King Air models.

Why Choose 2552-16?

An FAA-PMA certified part, such as the FFC 2552-16, offers a combination of value and uncompromising safety. This is not a simple "aftermarket" part; it is a component that has undergone a rigorous FAA certification process to prove its equivalency to the OEM part. For operators, this provides a cost-effective option for replacing a life-limited component like a fuel cell, while being assured that the part is fully airworthy, certified, and will maintain the aircraft's original type design.

The Federal Aviation Administration's Parts Manufacturer Approval (FAA-PMA) process allows a specialized manufacturer like FFC to not only replicate but also potentially improve upon an original design. While the form, fit, and fundamental function must remain identical, a PMA holder can leverage modern material science and manufacturing techniques that may not have existed when the OEM part was first designed. This can include the use of advanced, more durable nitrile polymer compounds for the inner liner, improved seam-sealing technologies that offer greater resistance to delamination, or more robust reinforcement fabrics. To gain approval for these improvements, the manufacturer must provide the FAA with extensive test and computation data proving that the new design is superior in performance and durability while still meeting all original safety parameters. This allows PMA parts to sometimes offer a longer potential service life or greater reliability than the parts they replace.

Note: This is a flight-critical component. Its installation is a complex and labor-intensive task that must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic, preferably with direct experience in fuel cell replacement, in strict accordance with the aircraft maintenance manual. The fuel bay must be meticulously cleaned and inspected for any foreign objects or sharp edges prior to installation. Fuel cells have a finite service life and require specific storage conditions.

Documentation

FAA PMA documentation is publicly available on the FAA's Regulatory and Guidance Library (RGL). Installation instructions are provided by FFC and must be used in conjunction with the official Beechcraft King Air Maintenance Manual.

• FAA PMA Database (Reference): Search for FFC / Fuel Cell and Components at https://rgl.faa.gov/