35 Airworthiness Directives: 22 airplane, 4 rotorcraft, 6 engine, 1 appliance, 2 various.
AD 2010-01-06 · published Jan 5, 2010, effective Feb 9, 2010
Bombardier, Inc. (Type Certificate Previously Held by de Havilland, Inc.) Model DHC-8-400 Series Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
AD 2008-10-06 R1 · published Jan 7, 2010, effective Jan 22, 2010
The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F Series Airplanes
The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the FAA-approved maintenance program by incorporating new airworthiness limitations (AWLs) for fuel tank systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 requirements. That AD also requires phasing in certain repetitive AWL inspections, and repair if necessary. This AD clarifies the intended effect of the AD on spare and on-airplane fuel tank system components. This AD results from a design review of the fuel tank systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2009-21-08 R1 · published Jan 7, 2010, effective Dec 14, 2009
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model PIAGGIO P-180 Airplanes
We are clarifying information contained in Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-21-08, which applies to PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A. (Piaggio) Model PIAGGIO P-180 airplanes. AD 2009-21-08 currently requires repetitive functional tests of the manifold system and replacement of any system that does not pass the functional tests (i.e., movement of the steering system). The language in AD 2009-21-08 incorrectly references not passing the functional tests as "movement of the manifold," and it should read "movement of the steering system" as specified in the service bulletin. The notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) referenced it as specified in the service bulletin. This document incorporates the intent of the action as already proposed in the NPRM. We are issuing this AD to prevent a potentially dangerous veer along the runway. The steering system must be in the `off' position during landing and takeoff (in this case when airspeed is higher than 60 knots) according to the aircraft flight manual limitations.
AD 2008-10-10 R1 · published Jan 12, 2010, effective Jan 27, 2010
The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 Series Airplanes
The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating new limitations for fuel tank systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 requirements. That AD also requires an initial inspection to phase in certain repetitive AWL inspections, and repair if necessary. This AD clarifies the intended effect of the AD on spare and on-airplane fuel tank system components. This AD results from a design review of the fuel tank systems. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2010-01-01 · published Jan 12, 2010, effective Feb 16, 2010
The Boeing Company Model 747-200F, 747-200C, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F Series Airplanes
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all Model 747-200F, 747-200C, 747-400, 747-400D, and 747-400F series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking of certain fuselage internal structure (i.e., Sections 42 and 46 fuselage frames, upper deck floor beams, electronic bay access door cutout, nose wheel well, and main entry doors and door cutouts), and repair if necessary. This new AD requires additional repetitive inspections for cracking of certain fuselage structure (i.e., Section 41 fuselage frames where they connect to upper deck floor beams, and Section 41 fuselage frames between stringers (S-8 and S-12)), and related investigative/corrective actions if necessary. This AD also reduces the inspection threshold and repetitive inspection intervals for certain airplanes. This AD results from fatigue tests and analysis that identified additional areas of the fuselage where fatigue cracks can occur. We are issuing this AD to prevent the loss of structural integrity of the fuselage, which could result in rapid depressurization of the airplane.
AD 2010-01-07 · published Jan 12, 2010, effective Jan 27, 2010
Airbus (Type Certificate Previously Held by Airbus Industrie) Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 Series Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: * * * * * * * * Revision 00 of AIRBUS A340 ALS [Airworthiness Limitations Section] Part 3:
AD 2010-01-08 · published Jan 12, 2010, effective Feb 16, 2010
The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, and -800 Series Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 737-600, -700, and -800 series airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the free flange, vertical web, and radius between the free flange and vertical web of the lower stringers of the wing center section for drill starts, and applicable related investigative and corrective actions. This AD results from drill starts being found on the free flange of the lower stringers of the wing center section during a quality assurance inspection at the final assembly plant. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks from propagating from drill starts in the free flange, vertical web, and radius between the free flange and vertical web of the lower stringers of the wing center section lower stringers, which could cause a loss of structural integrity of the wing center section and may result in a fuel leak.
AD 2010-01-09 · published Jan 12, 2010, effective Feb 16, 2010
The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive external non-destructive inspections to detect cracks in the fuselage skin along the chem-mill step at stringers S-1 and S-2 right, between station (STA) 827 and STA 847, and repair if necessary. This AD results from a report of a hole in the fuselage skin common to stringer S-1 and S-2 left, between STA 827 and STA 847 on an airplane that diverted to an alternate airport due to cabin depressurization and subsequent deployment of the oxygen masks. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin panels at the chem-milled steps, which could result in sudden fracture and failure of the fuselage skin panels, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.
AD 2010-02-02 · published Jan 13, 2010, effective Jan 28, 2010
Dassault-Aviation Model Falcon 7X Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
AD 2010-01-11 · published Jan 14, 2010, effective Feb 18, 2010
Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
AD 2010-01-12 · published Jan 14, 2010, effective Feb 18, 2010
Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170 Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
AD 2010-02-03 · published Jan 14, 2010, effective Jan 29, 2010
Airbus Model A340-200 and A340-300 Series Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: * * * * * Engineering analysis using the new calculated loads has shown that the structural integrity of the forward engine mount cannot be guaranteed after either thrust link has accumulated 15500 Flight Cycles (FC). * * * * * A loss of structural integrity of the forward engine mounts could lead to the loss of the load path for the forward engine mount and damage to other engine mount structures, which could result in failure of the forward engine mount, possible separation of the engine from the airplane, damage to the wing, or loss of control of the airplane. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI.
AD 2010-02-04 · published Jan 14, 2010, effective Feb 18, 2010
The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER Series Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This AD requires replacing the engine fuel shutoff valves for the left and right main tanks. This AD results from a report of a failed engine start, which was caused by an internally fractured engine fuel shutoff valve. We are issuing this AD to prevent the failure of the valve in the closed position, open position, or partially open position, which could result in engine fuel flow problems and possible uncontrolled fuel leak or fire.
AD 2009-26-11 · published Jan 20, 2010, effective Feb 24, 2010
Thrush Aircraft, Inc. Model 600 S2D and S2R Series Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede AD (AD) 2006-07-15, which applies to Thrush Aircraft, Inc. Model 600 S2D and S2R (S-2R) series airplanes (type certificate previously held by Quality Aerospace, Inc. and Ayres Corporation). AD 2006-07-15 currently requires repetitive inspections of the 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch bolt hole areas on the wing front lower spar caps for fatigue cracking; replacement or repair of any wing front lower spar cap where fatigue cracks are found; and reporting of any fatigue cracks found to the FAA. AD 2006-07-15 also puts the affected airplanes into groups for compliance time and applicability purposes. Since we issued AD 2006-07-15, FAA analysis reveals that inspections are not detecting all existing cracks and shows the incidences of undetected cracks will increase as the airplanes age. Consequently, this AD retains the actions of AD 2006-07-15 and imposes a life limit on the wing front lower spar caps that requires replacement of the wing front lower spar caps when the life limit is reached. This AD also changes the requirements and applicability of the groups discussed above and removes the ultrasonic inspection method. We are issuing this AD to prevent wing front lower spar cap failure caused by undetected fatigue cracks. Such failure could result in loss of a wing in flight.
AD 2009-26-13 · published Jan 20, 2010, effective Feb 24, 2010
Airbus Model A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 Series Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
AD 2010-01-02 · published Jan 20, 2010, effective Feb 24, 2010
The Boeing Company Model 747-100B SUD, -200B, -300, -400, and -400D Series Airplanes
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Model 747-100B SUD, -200B, -300, -400, and -400D series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking in fuselage stringers 8L, 8R, 10L, and 10R at body stations 460, 480, and 500 frame locations; and repair if necessary. This new AD requires revising the applicability to include an additional airplane, and reduces compliance times for the initial inspection and repetitive intervals for Model 747-400 series airplanes that have been converted to the large cargo freighter configuration. This AD results from findings of cracking in fuselage stringers 8L, 8R, 10L, and 10R at body stations 460, 480, and 500 frame locations. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in certain fuselage stringers, which, if left undetected, could result in fuselage skin cracking that reduces the structural integrity of the skin panel, and consequent rapid depressurization of the airplane.
AD 2010-01-10 · published Jan 20, 2010, effective Feb 24, 2010
The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP Series Airplanes Equipped With General Electric CF6-45 or -50 Series Engines, or Equipped With Pratt & Whitney JT9D-3 or -7 (Excluding -70) Series Engines
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect cracks and fractures of the strut front spar chord assembly (including the forward side) at each strut location, and repair if necessary. This new AD adds a one-time inspection for cracking of the forward side of the front spar chord assembly on the inboard and outboard struts, installation of a cap skin doubler for certain airplanes, and repair if necessary. These actions terminate the repetitive inspections of the forward side of the strut front spar chord assembly; the inspections of the aft side assembly continue as specified in the existing AD. This AD results from a report of a fractured front spar assembly for strut No. 3, which resulted in the loss of the strut upper link load path. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks and fractures of the nacelle strut front spar chord assembly. Fracture of the front spar chord assembly could lead to loss of the strut upper link load path and consequent fracture of the diagonal brace, which could result in in- flight separation of the strut and engine from the airplane.
AD 2010-02-06 · published Jan 20, 2010, effective Feb 24, 2010
Sicma Aero Seat 90xx and 92xx Series Passenger Seats, Installed on, But Not Limited to ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Model ATR42 Airplanes and Model ATR72 Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
AD 2010-02-09 · published Jan 26, 2010, effective Mar 2, 2010
Airbus Model A318 Series Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
AD 2010-02-10 · published Jan 28, 2010, effective Mar 4, 2010
Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 Series Airplanes; Model A340-211, -212, -213, -311, -312, and -313 Series Airplanes; and Model A340-541 and -642 Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
AD 2010-02-11 · published Jan 28, 2010, effective Mar 4, 2010
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
AD 2010-02-12 · published Jan 28, 2010, effective Mar 4, 2010
Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
AD 2009-19-51 · published Jan 22, 2010, effective Feb 8, 2010
Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 Helicopters
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2009-19-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of the Agusta Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires inspecting the tail panels for debonding and, if the debonding area exceeds a certain limit, repairing the tailboom. This AD results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that while taxiing, the tailboom of a Model AW139 helicopter bent and collapsed. Also, EASA had received previous reports of evidence of debonding on some tailboom panels of the specified Agusta model helicopters. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of a tailboom and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2010-02-07 · published Jan 28, 2010, effective Feb 12, 2010
Eurocopter France Model SE3160, SA315B, SA316B, SA316C, and SA319B Helicopters
This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) model helicopters. The existing AD requires certain inspections of a main rotor blade (blade) manufactured under a Parts Manufacturer Approval under Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SH778GL. The AD requires inspecting each affected root end bolt (bolt) and bolt-hole for corrosion or a crack on the blade root end fitting (fitting) or in a bolt-hole. For certain serial-numbered blades, the AD also requires a one-time pull test on each fitting and blade root end doubler (doubler) to detect disbonding. This AD requires certain inspections for voids in any doubler or fitting and for paint cracks along the forward and aft edge of the blade fitting. Also, this AD requires inspecting the blade tip weight housing attachment. This AD also requires replacing unairworthy blades with airworthy blades. This amendment is prompted by reports from the STC holder of disbonds at the fittings, doublers, and the tip weight fitting. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent blade failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2010-03-01 · published Jan 28, 2010, effective Feb 12, 2010
Eurocopter France Model AS332L1, AS332L2, and EC225LP Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI states: "Recently, a report was received concerning the discovery of fragments of a plastic blanking plug (fitted to the harness belt buckle 5th attachment point) inside a seat harness belt buckle. Over time, this blanking plug hardens and becomes brittle. This condition, if not corrected, can lead to failure of the plug and fragments being caught inside the buckle, causing interference and preventing the belt from being released during an emergency evacuation of the aircraft." This AD requires actions that are intended to address this unsafe condition.
AD 2009-26-06 · published Jan 7, 2010, effective Feb 11, 2010
Honeywell International Inc. ALF502 Series and LF507 Series Turbofan Engines
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Honeywell International Inc. ALF502 series and LF507 series turbofan engines with certain fuel manifold assemblies installed. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive on-wing eddy current or in-shop fluorescent penetrant inspections of certain part number (P/N) fuel manifold assemblies for cracks, and replacement of cracked fuel manifolds with serviceable manifolds. This AD continues to require inspecting those fuel manifolds for cracks, adds leak checks of certain additional P/N fuel manifolds, and specifies replacement of the affected manifolds as an optional terminating action in lieu of the repetitive inspections. This AD results from reports of fire in the engine nacelle. We are issuing this AD to detect cracks in certain fuel manifolds and fuel leaks from other fuel manifolds, which could result in a fire in the engine nacelle and a hazard to the aircraft.
AD 2009-26-09 · published Jan 7, 2010, effective Feb 11, 2010
General Electric Company CF34-1A, -3A, -3A1, -3A2, -3B, and -3B1 Turbofan Engines
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF34-1A, -3A, -3A1, -3A2, -3B, and -3B1 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires a onetime visual and tactile inspection of certain areas of certain P/N and SN fan disks for an arc-out defect, within 20 engine flight hours after the effective date of that AD. This AD requires inspecting certain fan disks for electrical arc-out indications, removing from service fan disks with electrical arc-out indications, performing tactile and enhanced visual (TEV) inspections, fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI), and eddy current inspections (ECI) on certain disks that have already had a shop-level inspection, and repetitive FPI and ECI on certain fan disks. This AD results from an updated risk analysis by GE that shows we need to take corrective action that is more stringent. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncontained failure of the fan disk, which could result in damage to the airplane.
AD 2010-01-04 · published Jan 8, 2010, effective Jan 25, 2010
General Electric Company (GE) CF34-1A, CF34-3A, and CF34-3B Series Turbofan Engines
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for GE CF34-1A, CF34-3A, and CF34-3B series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires removing from service certain part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) fan blades within compliance times specified in the AD, inspecting the fan blade abradable rub strip on certain engines for wear, inspecting the fan blades on certain engines for cracks, inspecting the aft actuator head hose fitting for correct position, and, if necessary, repositioning the hose fitting. This ad supersedure requires the same actions but corrects the effectivity for certain fan blades requiring corrective actions and changes the effective date of the current AD. This AD supersedure results from the FAA discovering that the existing AD has an incorrect effectivity for certain fan blades requiring corrective actions, and from a report of an under-cowl fire and a failed fan blade. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of certain P/N and S/N fan blades and aft actuator head hoses, which could result in an under-cowl fire and subsequent damage to the airplane.
AD 2010-01-05 · published Jan 14, 2010, effective Feb 18, 2010
CFM International, S.A. CFM56-7B Series Turbofan Engines
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for CFM International, S.A. CFM56-7B series turbofan engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive eddy current inspections (ECIs) of certain part number (P/N) low-pressure (LP) turbine rear frames. This AD results from a refined life analysis by the engine manufacturer that shows the need to identify an initial and repetitive inspection threshold for inspecting certain LP turbine rear frames. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LP turbine rear frame from low-cycle-fatigue cracks. Failure of the LP turbine rear frame could result in engine separation from the airplane, possibly leading to loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2010-02-01 · published Jan 14, 2010, effective Feb 18, 2010
Turbomeca S.A. Model Arriel 1B, 1D, and 1D1 Turboshaft Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
AD 2010-02-08 · published Jan 19, 2010, effective Feb 3, 2010
Turbomeca Turmo IV A and IV C Turboshaft Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
AD 2010-03-02 · published Jan 27, 2010, effective Feb 11, 2010
Lifesavings Systems Corp., D-Lok Hook Assembly
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Lifesavings Systems Corp., D-Lok Hook assembly installed on certain rescue hoist assemblies. This AD results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Community. The MCAI AD states that rescue hoist operators have reported surface irregularities and discontinuities on certain D-Lok Hooks because of an unapproved change in the hook design and manufacturing process from forged material to cast material that have different physical properties. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a hook during rescue hoist operations, loss of the rescued passenger, and subsequent serious injury or fatality.
AD 2010-01-03 · published Jan 5, 2010, effective Jan 20, 2010
Fire Fighting Enterprises Limited Portable Halon 1211 Fire Extinguishers as Installed on Various Transport Airplanes, Small Airplanes, and Rotorcraft
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:
AD 2009-21-10 R1 · published Jan 20, 2010, effective Feb 4, 2010
AVOX Systems and B/E Aerospace Oxygen Cylinder Assemblies, as Installed on Various Transport Airplanes
The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain AVOX Systems and B/E Aerospace oxygen cylinder assemblies, as installed on various transport airplanes. That AD currently requires removing certain oxygen cylinder assemblies from the airplane. This AD removes certain oxygen cylinder part numbers from the applicability. This AD was prompted by the reported rupture of a high- pressure gaseous oxygen cylinder, which had insufficient strength characteristics due to improper heat treatment. We are issuing this AD to prevent an oxygen cylinder from rupturing, which, depending on the location, could result in structural damage and rapid decompression of the airplane, damage to adjacent essential flight equipment, deprivation of the necessary oxygen supply for the flightcrew, and injury to cabin occupants or maintenance or other support personnel.