32 Airworthiness Directives: 18 airplane, 3 rotorcraft, 9 engine, 1 appliance, 1 various.
AD 2012-01-04 · published Feb 7, 2012, effective Mar 13, 2012
EADS CASA (Type Certificate Previously Held by Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model CN-235-100, CN-235-200, and CN-235-300 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of failures of the engine condition control cable which led to an engine shut down. This AD requires an inspection to determine the part number of the engine condition control cable, repetitive inspections for excessive wear of the affected engine condition control cable, and replacement of the affected part. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the engine condition control cable which could cause a consequent runway excursion during take-off, or reduced control of the airplane during flight.
AD 2012-02-02 · published Feb 7, 2012, effective Mar 13, 2012
Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R and 172S airplanes. That AD currently requires you to inspect the fuel return line assembly for chafing; replace the fuel return line assembly if chafing is found; and inspect the clearance between the fuel return line assembly and both the right steering tube assembly and the airplane structure, adjusting as necessary. Since we issued that AD, we have received a field report of a fuel return line chafing incident on a Cessna Model 172 airplane with a serial number (S/N) that was not included in the AD. This AD retains the actions of the current AD and adds S/Ns to the Applicability section of the AD. Chafing of the fuel return line assembly could lead to fire. This new AD requires the actions of the current AD and adds S/Ns to the Applicability section of the AD. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-02-09 · published Feb 7, 2012, effective Mar 13, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report from the airplane manufacturer that airplanes were assembled with air distribution ducts in the environmental control system (ECS) wrapped with Boeing Material Specification (BMS) 8-39 or Aeronautical Materials Specifications (AMS) 3570 polyurethane foam insulation, a material with fire-retardant properties that deteriorate with age. This AD requires reworking certain air distribution ducts in the ECS. We are issuing this AD to prevent ignition of the BMS 8-39 or AMS 3570 polyurethane foam insulation on the duct assemblies of the ECS due to a potential electrical arc, which could start a small fire and lead to a larger fire that may spread throughout the airplane through the ECS.
AD 2012-02-10 · published Feb 9, 2012, effective Mar 15, 2012
CPAC, Inc. Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all CPAC, Inc. (type certificate formerly held by Commander Aircraft Corporation, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, and Rockwell International) Models 112, 112B, 112TC, 112TCA, 114, 114A, 114B, and 114TC airplanes. That AD currently requires a one-time inspection of the elevator spar for cracks and, if any crack is found, either replace with a serviceable elevator spar that is found free of cracks or repair/modify the elevator spar with an FAA-approved method. That AD also requires reporting to the FAA the results of the inspection. Since we issued that AD, using the data collected through the reporting requirement, we have determined there is a need for continued inspections. This new AD requires repetitive inspections of the elevator spar for cracks and, if any crack is found, either replacing with a serviceable elevator spar that is free of any cracks and/or corrosion or repairing/modifying the elevator spar with an FAA-approved procedure. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-02-14 · published Feb 13, 2012, effective Mar 19, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the top 3 inches of the aero/fire seals of the blocker doors on the thrust reverser torque boxes are not fireproof. This AD requires a one-time inspection to determine the part numbers of the aero/fire seals of the blocker doors on the thrust reverser torque boxes on the engines, and replacing affected aero/fire seals with new, improved aero/fire seals. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fire in the fan compartment (a fire zone) from migrating through the seal to a flammable fluid in the thrust reverser actuator compartment (a flammable fluid leakage zone), which could result in an uncontrolled fire.
AD 2012-03-09 · published Feb 13, 2012, effective Mar 19, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Model 747SP series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a rudder hard-over event on a Model 747-400 series airplane, caused by a rudder power control module (PCM) manifold cracking and separating in the area of the yaw damper cavity end-cap. This condition could result in a hard-over of the rudder surface leading to an increase in pilot workload and a possible high-speed runway excursion upon landing, in the event of failure of the lower or upper rudder PCM manifold. This AD requires replacing or modifying the upper and lower rudder PCMs. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-03-10 · published Feb 13, 2012, effective Feb 28, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A340-600 series airplanes. This AD requires modifying the fire extinguishing system from a three-bottles solution with 4 flow metering compact unit into a two-bottles solution with 2 flow metering systems equipped with upgraded water absorbing filter elements. This AD was prompted by reports of partial blockage of a certain water absorbing filter element. We are issuing this AD to prevent partial blockage of a certain water absorbing filter element, which could lead to reduction of the halon outflow, which leads to incapacity to maintain fire extinguishing agent concentration. Combined with fire, this condition could result in an uncontrolled fire in the affected compartment.
AD 2012-03-51 · published Feb 16, 2012, effective Mar 2, 2012
Airplanes Originally Manufactured by Lockheed for the Military as P2V Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain airplanes originally manufactured by Lockheed for the military as P2V airplanes. This emergency AD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. This AD requires cleaning of the forward lower spar cap between wing stations 40 and 84.5 (right and left), and doing a detailed inspection for cracks, working fasteners, and other anomalies, including surface damage in the form of a nick, gouge, or corrosion; and repairing if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report of a significant crack in the principle wing structure. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks, working fasteners, and other anomalies in the principle wing structure, which could cause significant loss of structural integrity of the wing.
AD 2012-03-02 · published Feb 17, 2012, effective Mar 23, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of loss of avionics cooling due to an unserviceable relay installed on a panel as part of the cabin air conditioning and temperature control system (CACTCS). This AD requires doing certain wiring changes, installing a new relay and necessary wiring in the CACTCS, and performing an operational test of the cooling pack system. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of electrical equipment bay cooling and the overheating of flight deck instruments, which would result in the eventual loss of primary flight displays, an unusually high pilot workload, and depressurization of the cabin.
AD 2012-03-05 · published Feb 17, 2012, effective Mar 23, 2012
Bombardier Inc., Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of deformation at the neck of the pressure regulator body on certain oxygen cylinder and regulator assemblies (CRA). This AD requires an inspection to determine if a certain oxygen CRA is installed and the replacement of oxygen CRAs containing pressure regulators having a certain part number. We are issuing this AD to prevent elongation of the pressure regulator neck, which could result in rupture of the oxygen cylinder, and in the case of cabin depressurization, oxygen not being available when required.
AD 2012-02-15 · published Feb 29, 2012, effective Apr 4, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model 757-200, -200PF, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes. That AD currently requires inspecting certain power feeder wire bundles for damage, inspecting the support clamps for these wire bundles to determine whether the clamps are properly installed, and performing corrective actions if necessary. This new AD requires additional inspections for certain airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that a power feeder wire bundle chafed against the number six auxiliary slat track, causing electrical wires in the bundle to arc, which damaged both the auxiliary slat track and power feeder wires. We are issuing this AD to prevent arcing that could be a possible ignition source for leaked flammable fluids, which could result in a fire. Arcing could also result in a loss of power from the generator connected to the power feeder wire bundle, and consequent loss of systems, which could reduce controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-02-17 · published Feb 29, 2012, effective Apr 4, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Model 757 airplanes. This AD was prompted reports that several operators have found cracking in the front spar lower chord at the fastener locations common to the side link support fitting at wing station (WS) 292. This AD requires repetitive inspections for corrosion and cracking in this area, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such corrosion and cracking, which, if not corrected, could grow and result in structural failure of the spar.
AD 2012-02-18 · published Feb 29, 2012, effective Apr 4, 2012
DASSAULT AVIATION Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all DASSAULT AVIATION Model MYSTERE-FALCON 50 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the flap tracks. This AD requires revising the maintenance program to include revised airworthiness limitations. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the flap tracks, which could lead to flap asymmetry and loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2012-03-03 · published Feb 29, 2012, effective Apr 4, 2012
Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 050 and F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the brightness of the tritium exit signs and lighting strips deteriorated below accepted levels. This AD requires a detailed inspection of tritium exit signs and emergency lighting strips, and replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct insufficient brightness of the tritium exit signs and lighting strips, which could lead to an unsafe evacuation during an emergency, possibly resulting in injury to occupants.
AD 2012-03-08 · published Feb 29, 2012, effective Apr 4, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), and CL-600- 2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive detailed inspections for cracking or deformation, or pulled or missing fasteners, on the lower panel of the left- and right-hand main landing gear (MLG) doors, as applicable, and corrective actions if necessary. That AD also reduces the repetitive inspection interval for certain airplanes. This new AD adds a new modification of the MLG door configuration, and removes certain airplanes from the applicability. This AD was prompted by further analysis of the MLG door by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the lower panel of the MLG door, departure of the lower panel from the airplane, and consequent damage to airplane structure, which could adversely affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing.
AD 2012-03-52 · published Feb 29, 2012, effective Feb 29, 2012
Mooney Aviation Company, Inc. (Mooney) Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Mooney Aviation Company, Inc. (Mooney) Models M20R and M20TN airplanes. This emergency AD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. This AD requires inspecting the tail pitch trim assembly for correct positioning and proper attachment and inspecting the Huck Bolt fasteners for proper security with repair as necessary. The AD also requires sending the inspection results to the FAA and Mooney. This AD was prompted by a report of an incident on a Mooney Model M20TN airplane regarding failure of the tail pitch trim assembly, which could result in loss of control. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-04-02 · published Feb 29, 2012, effective Apr 4, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes; Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes; and Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of aileron control stiffness. This AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate the discard task for outboard wing aileron pulleys. We are issuing this AD to prevent aileron control stiffness during flight, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-04-06 · published Feb 29, 2012, effective Apr 4, 2012
328 Support Services GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 328 Support Services GmbH (Type Certificate Previously Held by AvCraft Aerospace GmbH; Fairchild Dornier GmbH; Dornier Luftfahrt GmbH) Model 328-100 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by several runway excursion incidents and a single accident where the power lever could not be operated as intended during the landing roll-out on Model Dornier 328-100 airplanes. This proposed AD would require a modification of the engine control box assembly. We are proposing this AD to prevent runway excursion, which could result in damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants.
AD 2012-01-03 · published Feb 7, 2012, effective Feb 22, 2012
Eurocopter France Helicopters
We are adopting an airworthiness directive (AD) for the Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS332L2 helicopter and superseding an AD for the Model EC225LP helicopter. This AD is prompted by the manufacturer issuing additional corrective action to prevent failure of the main gearbox (MGB) due to the degradation of the epicyclic module of the MGB and expands the applicability to include the ECF Model AS332L2 helicopter because an investigation showed a failure within the epicyclic reduction gear module resulted in the rupture of the MGB case and separation of the main rotor head of a model AS332L2 helicopter in 2009. These actions are intended to prevent failure of the MGB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-02-13 · published Feb 7, 2012, effective Feb 22, 2012
Eurocopter France Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter France EC130B4 helicopters that have not had Eurocopter Modification 073880 incorporated. This AD is prompted by several reports of cracks in the tailboom/Fenestron junction frame, which could result in structural failure of the tail boom, resulting in detachment of the Fenestron (tail rotor) and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these helicopters.
AD 2012-03-01 · published Feb 15, 2012, effective Mar 21, 2012
Eurocopter Deutschland Model EC135 Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland (ECD) Model EC135 helicopters. This AD results from a mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) AD issued by the aviation authority of the Federal Republic of Germany, with which we have a bilateral agreement, to identify and correct an unsafe condition. The MCAI AD states that in the past, the FADEC FAIL caution light illuminated on a few EC135 T1 helicopters. It states that this was caused by a discrepancy in the parameters that was generated within the fuel main metering unit and transmitted to the FADEC. This discrepancy led to the display of the FADEC FAIL caution light and "freezing" of the fuel main metering valve at its position, resulting in loss of the automatic engine control in the affected system. With the MCAI AD, a synchronization procedure for pilots, which was already used in the past, is being reintroduced, which prevents the parameter discrepancy arising and thus sustains the automatic engine control. The AD actions are intended to prevent failure of the FADEC to automatically meter fuel, indicated by a FADEC FAIL cockpit caution light, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 71-13-01 R1 · published Feb 2, 2012, effective Mar 8, 2012
Lycoming Engines Engines
We are rescinding an airworthiness directive (AD) for Lycoming Engines model TIO-540-A series reciprocating engines. The existing AD, AD 71-13-01, was prompted by a report of a failed fuel injector tube assembly. Since we issued AD 71-13-01, we became aware that Lycoming Engines no longer supports Service Bulletin (SB) No. 335A, which was incorporated by reference in AD 71-13-01. The intent of the requirements of that SB is now in Lycoming Engines Mandatory SB No. 342F, which we have incorporated by reference into AD 2008-14-07. The FAA determined, therefore, that this requirement is duplicated by another AD.
AD 2012-02-03 · published Feb 9, 2012, effective Mar 15, 2012
CFM International, S.A. Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CFM International, S.A. model CFM56-5B series turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a normal quality sampling at CFM International, S.A. that isolated a production batch of fan blades with nonconforming geometry of mid-span shroud tips of the fan blades. This AD requires removing from service certain serial number (S/N) fan blades. We are issuing this AD to prevent an inflight shutdown (IFSD) of one or more engines following foreign object damage (FOD) or a bird strike.
AD 2012-02-04 · published Feb 9, 2012, effective Feb 24, 2012
Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc RB211-Trent 500 series turbofan engines. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the fuel tubes and fuel tube clips for evidence of damage, wear, and fuel leakage. This AD was prompted by reports of wear found between the securing clips and the low-pressure (LP) fuel tube outer surface, which reduces the fuel tube wall thickness, leading to fracture of the fuel tube and consequent fuel leak. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine fuel leaks, which could result in risk to the airplane.
AD 2012-02-06 · published Feb 9, 2012, effective Mar 15, 2012
Honeywell International Inc. TPE331-10 and TPE331-11 Series Turboprop Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD was prompted by a report of an uncontained failure of a first stage turbine disk that had a metallurgical defect. This AD requires inspecting certain serial number (S/N) first stage turbine disks, part number (P/N) 3101520-1 and P/N 3107079-1. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained failure of the first stage turbine disk and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-03-06 · published Feb 9, 2012, effective Feb 24, 2012
Continental Motors, Lycoming Engines, Superior Air Parts, Inc. Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Superior Air Parts and Lycoming Engines fuel-injected reciprocating engines. That AD currently requires removing AVStar Fuel Systems, Inc. (AFS) fuel servos installed after May 20, 2010, if the servo contained an AFS diaphragm, part number (P/N) AV2541801 or P/N AV2541803, from certain production lots. This AD expands the applicability, and changes the compliance interval for all affected Superior Air Parts, Lycoming Engines, and Continental Motors, Inc., fuel-injected reciprocating engines. This AD was prompted by an accident involving a Piper PA32R- 301 airplane, and by the discovery of additional engines being affected by the unsafe condition since we issued the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent an in-flight engine shutdown due to a failed fuel servo diaphragm, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-03-11 · published Feb 14, 2012, effective Mar 20, 2012
Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B and 2B1 turboshaft engines. That AD currently requires checking the transmissible torque between the low- pressure (LP) pump impeller and the high-pressure (HP) pump shaft on high-pressure/low-pressure (HP/LP) pump hydro-mechanical metering units (HMUs) that do not incorporate Modification TU 147. This new AD requires inspection and possible replacement of the HMU. This AD was prompted by three additional cases of uncoupling of the HP/LP pump HMU LP fuel pump impeller and the HP fuel pump shaft, since the existing AD was issued. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded in-flight shutdown, which can result in a forced autorotation landing or accident.
AD 2012-03-07 · published Feb 21, 2012, effective Mar 27, 2012
Lycoming Engines Reciprocating Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lycoming Engines reciprocating engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a "machined-from-billet" HA-6 carburetor having a loose mixture control sleeve that rotated in the carburetor body causing restriction of fuel and power loss. This AD requires removing certain "machined-from-billet" Volare LLC (formerly Precision Airmotive Corporation, formerly Facet Aerospace Products Company, formerly Marvel-Schebler (BorgWarner)) HA-6 carburetors, inspecting for a loose mixture control sleeve or for a sleeve that may become loose, repairing the carburetor, or replacing the carburetor with one eligible for installation. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine in-flight shutdown, power loss, and reduced control of the airplane.
AD 2012-04-01 · published Feb 22, 2012, effective Mar 28, 2012
Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 800 Series Turbofan Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all RR RB211-Trent 800 series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires removal from service of certain critical engine parts based on reduced life limits. This new AD reduces the life limits of additional critical engine parts. This AD was prompted by RR reducing the life limits of additional critical engine parts. We are issuing this AD to prevent the failure of critical rotating parts, which could result in uncontained failure of the engine and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-04-05 · published Feb 24, 2012, effective Mar 30, 2012
General Electric Company (GE) Turbofan Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all GE CF6-80C2B series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires installing software version 8.2.Q1 to the engine electronic control unit (ECU), which increases the engine's margin to flameout. This new AD requires the removal of the affected ECUs from service. This AD was prompted by two reports of engine flameout events during flight in inclement weather conditions, eight reports of engine in- flight shutdown (IFSD) events caused by dual-channel central processing unit (CPU) faults in the ECU, and four reports of engine flameout ground events. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine flameout or un- commanded engine IFSD of one or more engines, leading to an emergency or forced landing of the airplane.
AD 2012-02-08 · published Feb 7, 2012, effective Mar 13, 2012
Aviation Communication & Surveillance Systems (ACSS) Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Units
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ACSS TCAS units installed on but not limited to various transport and small airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of anomalies with TCAS units during a flight test over a high density airport. The TCAS units dropped several reduced surveillance aircraft tracks because of interference limiting. This AD requires upgrading software. We are issuing this AD to prevent TCAS units from dropping tracks, which could compromise separation of air traffic and lead to subsequent mid-air collisions.
AD 74-08-09 R3 · published Feb 22, 2012, effective Mar 28, 2012
Various Transport Category Airplanes
We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for transport category airplanes that have one or more lavatories equipped with paper or linen waste receptacles. That AD currently requires installation of placards prohibiting smoking in the lavatory and disposal of cigarettes in the lavatory waste receptacles; establishment of a procedure to announce to airplane occupants that smoking is prohibited in the lavatories; installation of ashtrays at certain locations; and repetitive inspections to ensure that lavatory waste receptacle doors operate correctly. This new AD extends the time an airplane may be operated with certain missing ashtrays. This AD was prompted by the determination that certain compliance times required by the existing AD could be extended and still address fires occurring in lavatories caused by, among other things, the improper disposal of smoking materials in lavatory waste receptacles. We are issuing this AD to correct this unsafe condition on these products.
