Cirrus SF50 pilot reported both fuel flow valves failed during departure. Due to concern with possible fuel imbalance; the pilot elected to return to the departure airport where a safe landing was made.
Synopsis
Cirrus SF50 pilot reported both fuel flow valves failed during departure. Due to concern with possible fuel imbalance; the pilot elected to return to the departure airport where a safe landing was made.
Narrative
I departed ZZZ in an SF50 aircraft with X souls on board. Shortly after departure; at approximately 3;000 ft. and not long after we had been handed off to the departure frequency listed on the DP; I received a warning CAS message that read; 'FUEL VALVES BOTH FAIL.' No other abnormal indications were observed. Immediately; I pulled up the appropriate checklist and completed it. The checklist advised me to check the fuel quantity; maintain airspeed for adequate roll control; and land as soon as possible. I called the Departure Controller we had been speaking to and advised him that; per the checklist; we needed to land back at ZZZ. He asked what the nature of the concern was; and I let him know that we had received a warning message regarding our fuel valves; and that the checklist advised us to land as soon as possible. He also asked if we would be needing any emergency services; to which I said no.At this time; I did not intend to [request priority handling] myself; as we still had fuel flow (the valves fail to the open position); and I knew that a possible eventual fuel imbalance was the pressing concern; but that due to our proximity to the airport; we should be on the ground before that would become an issue. However; out of precaution; the Departure Controller advised me that they would be [giving us priority handling]. Following this; the Controller asked us how we would like to be vectored back; and I requested vectors to final for a visual approach to Runway XXL. We joined the approach and landed with no issues. On the ground; we were met by the ARFF team; who inspected the aircraft from their trucks; and let us taxi back to the ramp once they had visually assessed the exterior of the aircraft. The occurrence turned out to be somewhat of a non-event due to quick use of checklists; utilization of resources including assistance from ATC; as well as help from my safety pilot (who was able to alert our company of the occurrence; and assist me in other tasks; such as calculating lbs of fuel on board).
NASA callback
Reporter stated it was unusual to have both fuel valves fail and estimated they had 20 minutes from the time of fuel valve failure until fuel imbalance would become a serious issue. Reporter said that after the flight maintenance replaced a part and the aircraft has since been returned to service. Reporter did not know what part was replaced or what could have caused the fuel valve failure.
Source: NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (public domain). Reports are voluntary submissions and are not verified by NASA.