CCA-1650 – Curtis FAA-PMA Pipe Thread Fuel Drain Valve
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The Curtis CCA-1650 is a high-precision, FAA-PMA certified fuel drain valve designed for permanent installation in aircraft fuel sumps, tanks, and filter bowls. Engineered to facilitate the mandatory pre-flight inspection for water and sediment contamination, the CCA-1650 utilizes a "push-to-drain" mechanism that ensures a positive, leak-proof seal under standard fuel head pressures. Unlike standard industrial valves, the CCA-1650 is manufactured to aerospace tolerances, utilizing materials compatible with Avgas and Jet-A to prevent elastomeric degradation and "sticking" over long-term service cycles.
This valve features a 1/8-inch NPT (National Pipe Thread) interface, making it a universal fit for a wide range of General Aviation (GA) airframes. The internal architecture relies on a spring-loaded poppet that is double-sealed to provide redundant protection against fuel weeping. The Curtis "Quick-Drain" design is a industry standard, allowing mechanics and pilots to obtain a fuel sample without the need for specialized tools or the risk of safety-wire interference during the sampling process.
Key Features
FAA-PMA Certified: Fully approved for installation on certified aircraft, ensuring compliance with 14 CFR Part 21 and structural airworthiness standards.
Redundant Seal Architecture: Utilizes high-quality fluorosilicone or Viton O-rings (application dependent) that maintain elastomeric memory in temperatures ranging from -65°F to +200°F.
Stainless Steel Internal Spring: Equipped with a corrosion-resistant 300-series stainless steel spring to ensure consistent seating pressure and prevent "open-locking" due to oxidation.
Low-Profile Design: Engineered to minimize the vertical footprint beneath the airframe, reducing the risk of the valve being sheared or damaged by tall grass or debris during off-field operations.
Push-to-Drain Logic: Designed for one-handed operation; the valve automatically snaps shut upon release, utilizing the internal spring and fuel pressure to achieve a mechanical "lock-out" against leaks.
Technical Specifications
Part Number: CCA-1650
Manufacturer: Curtis Superior Valve Co., Inc.
Component Type: Quick-Drain Fuel Valve
Thread Size: 1/8" NPT (Pipe Thread)
Material (Body): High-strength Brass or Cadmium-plated Steel (Verify per batch)
Material (Internal): Stainless Steel Spring and Pin
Seal Material: Fuel-resistant Fluorosilicone (Buna-N variants available)
Governing Specification: FAA-PMA (STC or TC required for specific airframes)
Operating Pressure: Gravity feed to 60 PSI (Typical)
Aircraft Compatibility
Cessna Series: 120, 140, 150, 170, 172, 175, 180, 182, 185, 210.
Piper Series: PA-24 Comanche, PA-28 Cherokee, PA-32 Saratoga.
Beechcraft: Bonanza and Baron (Sump and Strainer applications).
Mooney: M20 series.
Note: Consult your aircraft’s Illustrated Parts Catalog (IPC) to ensure the 1/8" NPT thread matches your fuel tank or strainer bowl boss. Certain models may require the CCA-1550 (1/4" NPT) or CCA-1750 (7/16-20 thread).
Applications
The CCA-1650 is utilized for Fuel System Contamination Management. Its primary roles include:
Pre-Flight Sumping: Safely extracting a fuel sample from the lowest point of the tank to check for water (which settles at the bottom due to higher specific gravity).
System Maintenance: Providing a controlled drain point for fuel system repairs or long-term storage drainage.
Why Choose CCA-1650?
Choosing a genuine Curtis CCA-1650 protects your aircraft from the "nuisance leaks" common with generic hardware-store valves. Curtis valves are designed to resist fuel-system icing; the internal poppet geometry prevents ice crystals from "wedging" the valve open. Furthermore, the FAA-PMA status ensures that the material's galvanic potential is compatible with aluminum tanks, preventing the thread-seizing and tank-boss corrosion often seen with non-certified brass fittings.
The CCA-1650 operates on the principle of Spring-Loaded Poppet Displacement. When the center pin is depressed, it overcomes the preload force of the internal stainless steel spring, creating an annular orifice for fluid flow. The seal is achieved through a dual-interface contact: a primary elastomeric O-ring provides a liquid-tight barrier at low pressures, while at higher fuel levels, the mechanical "metal-to-metal" proximity of the poppet head further stabilizes the seal. The 1/8" NPT thread is designed with a tapered geometry, which creates a mechanical interference fit when torqued. This ensures that the thread roots and crests crush slightly, forming a high-pressure seal that prevents fuel from migrating along the thread path—a critical requirement for preventing stress-corrosion cracking in aluminum fuel bosses.
Note: This is a flight-critical fuel system component. Prior to installation, ensure the tank boss is free of old thread sealant. Use only FAA-approved fuel-resistant thread paste (like EZ Turn or Tite-Seal) on the NPT threads; do not use Teflon tape, as shredded fragments can clog fuel injectors or carburetors. Installation must be performed by a certified A&P mechanic in accordance with the Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM). Periodically inspect the O-ring for signs of brittleness or swelling.