41 Airworthiness Directives: 31 airplane, 5 rotorcraft, 3 engine, 1 appliance, 1 glider.
AD 2012-05-02 · published Apr 5, 2012, effective May 10, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of heat damage to the inner wall of the thrust reversers, which could result in separation of adjacent components and consequent structural damage to the airplane, damage to other airplanes, and injury to people on the ground. This AD requires modifying the thrust reverser inner walls, inspecting for damage of the upper and lower inner wall insulation blankets, measuring the electrical conductivity on the aluminum upper compression pads 2 and 3 as applicable, inspecting for discrepancies of the inner wall of the thrust reverser, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires, for certain airplanes, doing various concurrent actions (including replacing the inner wall blanket insulation, installing updated full-authority digital electronic control software, and modifying the thrust reverser inner wall and insulation blankets). We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-05-06 · published Apr 5, 2012, effective May 10, 2012
Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model L-1011-385-1, L-1011-385-1-14, and L-1011-385-1-15 airplanes. That AD currently requires implementation of a Supplemental Inspection Document (SID) program of structural inspections to detect fatigue cracking, and repair if necessary, to ensure continued airworthiness of these airplanes as they approach the manufacturer's original fatigue design life goal. This new AD adds Model L-1011-385-3 airplanes to the applicability, changes certain inspection thresholds, adds three new structurally significant details (SSDs), and removes an SSD that has been addressed by a different AD. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the manufacturer of usage and flight data that provided additional information about certain SSDs where fatigue damage is likely to occur. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking that could compromise the structural integrity of these airplanes.
AD 2012-06-03 · published Apr 5, 2012, effective May 10, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the horizontal stabilizer trim actuator (HSTA) no-back and the number 1 motor brake assembly (MBA) can both fail dormant. This AD requires revising the airplane maintenance schedule to include new functional tests of the HSTA no-back and HSTA brake system. We are issuing this AD to prevent dormant failure of the HSTA no-back and the number 1 MBA, which along with additional component failure could result in an uncontrollable horizontal stabilizer surface runaway without the ability to retrim, and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2012-06-06 · published Apr 5, 2012, effective May 10, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This AD requires replacing the power control relays for the fuel boost pumps and override pumps with new relays having a ground fault interrupter (GFI) feature. This AD also requires an electrical bonding resistance measurement for certain GFI relays to verify that certain bonding requirements are met. This AD also requires, for certain airplanes, an inspection to ensure that certain screws are properly installed, and installing longer screws if necessary. This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to the fuel pumps caused by electrical arcing that could introduce an ignition source in the fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2012-07-02 · published Apr 5, 2012, effective Apr 20, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the forward and aft attachment fittings and of the swan neck for cracks, and replacing the attachment fittings and the swan neck with serviceable ones if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on the forward attachment fittings of the left and right sides of the forward hinge of the nose landing gear (NLG) aft door. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks of the forward attachment fittings and the swan neck, which could lead to the in-flight detachment of the NLG aft door and result in injury to persons on the ground or damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-07-03 · published Apr 5, 2012, effective May 10, 2012
328 Support Services GmbH Airplanes
We are superseding an existing 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 and -300 airplanes. That AD currently requires performing a detailed visual inspection of the cockpit door locking device and the surrounding area for proper installation, and corrective action if necessary. This new AD requires removing or replacing the locking device of the cockpit door; performing operational tests, and repair if necessary; and, for certain airplanes, installing gap filler parts. This AD was prompted by a report that a right-hand power lever jammed in flight-idle position during the landing roll-out, and the airplane was stopped by excessive braking. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct interference with the engine and flight control cables, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-02-16 · published Apr 10, 2012, effective May 15, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747- 200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. That AD currently requires an inspection of the No. 2 and No. 3 windows on the left and right sides of the airplane to determine their part numbers, related investigative and corrective actions if necessary, and repetitive inspections of single pane windows. This new AD requires installing dual pane No. 2 and No. 3 windows. This new AD also removes certain airplanes from the applicability. This AD was prompted by loss of a No. 3 window in flight, which could result in consequent rapid loss of cabin pressure. Loss of the window could also result in crew communication difficulties or incapacitation of the crew. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-03-04 · published Apr 10, 2012, effective May 15, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. That AD currently requires, for certain airplanes, modifying the wire routing and installing additional protective sleeves. This new AD adds, for certain airplanes, modifying wire routings and installing a modified bracket. This AD was prompted by analyses of the wire routing showing that the route of the fuel electrical circuit in the right-hand wing must be modified in order to ensure better segregation between fuel quantity indication wires and the 115-volt alternating current wires. We are issuing this AD to prevent short circuits leading to arcing, and possible fuel tank explosion.
AD 2012-06-09 · published Apr 10, 2012, effective May 15, 2012
Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Lockheed Martin Corporation/Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Model 382, 382B, 382E, 382F, and 382G airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of incidents involving fatigue cracking and corrosion in transport category airplanes that are approaching or have exceeded their design service objective. This AD requires revising the maintenance inspection program to include inspections that will give no less than the required damage tolerance analysis for each principal structural element (PSE), doing repetitive inspections to detect cracks of all PSEs, and repairing cracked structure. We are issuing this AD to maintain the continued structural integrity of the fleet.
AD 2012-07-04 · published Apr 10, 2012, effective May 15, 2012
Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company Model 680 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a false cross-feed command to the right-hand fuel control card, due to the cross-feed inputs on the left- and right-hand fuel control cards being connected together and causing an imbalance of fuel between the left and right wing tanks. This AD requires adding diodes to the fuel cross-feed wiring, and revising the airplane flight manual to include procedures to use when the left or right generator is selected OFF. We are issuing this AD to prevent lateral imbalance of the airplane, resulting from uncontrolled fuel cross-feed, which can be corrected by deflecting the aileron trim; deflecting the aileron trim increases the pilot's workload and could exceed the airplane's limitation in a short period of time, resulting in reduced controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-07-05 · published Apr 10, 2012, effective Apr 25, 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 airplanes. This proposed AD would require performing a low frequency eddy current inspection for cracks of the lap joint of the rear fuselage, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the fuselage lap joint. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct exponential crack growth, which could lead to failure of the lap joint over a certain length and consequent in-flight decompression of the airplane.
AD 2012-07-06 · published Apr 10, 2012, effective May 15, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a new revision to the airworthiness limitations of the maintenance planning document. This AD requires revising the maintenance program to update inspection requirements to detect fatigue cracking of principal structural elements (PSEs). We are issuing this AD to ensure that fatigue cracking of various PSEs is detected and corrected; such fatigue cracking could adversely affect the structural integrity of these airplanes.
AD 2012-07-07 · published Apr 10, 2012, effective May 15, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 747 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fractured latch pins found in service; investigation revealed that the cracking and subsequent fracture were initiated by fatigue and propagated by a combination of fatigue and stress corrosion. This AD requires repetitive general visual inspections for broken or missing latch pins of the lower sills of the forward and aft lower lobe cargo doors; repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the latch pins; and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fractured or broken latch pins, which could result in a forward or aft lower lobe cargo door opening and detaching during flight, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.
AD 2012-06-19 · published Apr 13, 2012, effective Apr 30, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, -303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the main fitting and sliding tube of the nose landing gear (NLG) for defects, damage, and cracks, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of a cracked main fitting and sliding tube during overhaul of NLGs. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks, defects, or damage of the main fitting and sliding tube of the NLG, which could result in failure of the main fitting or sliding tube, and consequent NLG collapse.
AD 2012-06-20 · published Apr 19, 2012, effective May 24, 2012
Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the fuel crossfeed valves cannot be controlled when only emergency electrical power is available, that an unwanted configuration of the indication logic for the fuel fire shutoff valve was introduced during production, and that current fuel crossfeed indications are based on selection by the flightcrew instead of actual position of the crossfeed valve actuators. This AD requires modifying the crossfeed valve control and power supply, the crossfeed indication logic and power supply, and the indication logic for the fuel fire shutoff valve; modifying the overhead panel; and for certain airplanes, modifying the transfer logic of the center wing fuel tank. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of an in-flight engine re- light following a double engine flame-out event, which could result in loss of the airplane.
AD 2012-06-02 · published Apr 23, 2012, effective Apr 25, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
The FAA is correcting an airworthiness directive (AD) that published in the Federal Register. That AD applies to all Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes), and Model A310 series airplanes. The agency docket number specified throughout the final rule is incorrect. This document corrects that error. In all other respects, the original document remains the same.
AD 2012-07-08 · published Apr 24, 2012, effective May 29, 2012
Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) to incorporate new structural inspection requirements. Since we issued that AD, during full scale fatigue testing, cracks were found in certain structural components of the airplane. Analysis of these cracks resulted in the manufacturer modifying the ALS of EMBRAER 170 Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR), to include new inspections tasks, or modifying the current tasks and their respective thresholds and intervals. This new AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate new or revised structural inspection requirements. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2012-08-03 · published Apr 24, 2012, effective May 29, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; Model A300 B4- 600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes); and Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the forward lug wing of the aft bearing at rib 5 of the main landing gear (MLG). This AD requires installing new bushes with increased interference fit in the forward lug wing of the aft bearing at rib 5 of the MLG on the right-hand (RH) and left-hand (LH) wing. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the forward lug wing of the aft bearing at rib 5 of the MLG, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of the MLG attachment, and could result in the collapse of the MLG.
AD 2012-08-04 · published Apr 24, 2012, effective May 29, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of the air driven generator (ADG) failing to power essential buses during functional tests, due to the low threshold setting of the circuit protection on the ADG's generator control unit (GCU) preventing the ADG from supplying power to the essential buses. This AD requires installing a new or serviceable ADG GCU. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of power from the ADG to the essential buses which, in the event of an emergency, could prevent continued safe flight.
AD 2012-08-05 · published Apr 24, 2012, effective May 29, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702), CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705), CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900), and CL-600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of the air driven generator (ADG) failing to power essential buses during functional tests, due to the low threshold setting of the circuit protection on the ADG's generator control unit (GCU) preventing the ADG from supplying power to the essential buses. This AD requires installing a new or serviceable ADG GCU. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of power from the ADG to the essential buses which, in the event of an emergency, could prevent continued safe flight.
AD 2012-08-07 · published Apr 24, 2012, effective May 9, 2012
Sicma Aero Seat Passenger Seat Assemblies, Installed on, But Not Limited to, ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Sicma Aero Seat Model 9401, 9402, 9404, 9505, 9406, 9407, 9408, and 9409 series passenger seat assemblies, installed on, but not limited to, ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 and ATR72 airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the central and lateral spreaders of the affected seats, and repair or replacement of the spreader if necessary. This AD was prompted by a determination that the existing AD included Model 9505 series passenger seat assemblies in the applicability instead of Model 9405 series passenger seat assemblies. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the central and lateral spreaders, which could lead to further cracking of the seat spreaders, causing injury to passengers or crew members during heavy turbulence in flight or in the event of an emergency landing.
AD 2012-08-09 · published Apr 24, 2012, effective May 29, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, -300, -300ER, and 777F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found in the Web pockets of the wing center section (WCS) spanwise beams. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections and high frequency eddy current inspections for cracks of the WCS spanwise beams, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the WCS spanwise beams, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the wings.
AD 2012-08-10 · published Apr 24, 2012, effective May 29, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604 Variant) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of the air driven generator (ADG) failing to power essential buses during functional tests, due to the low threshold setting of the circuit protection on the ADG's generator control unit (GCU) preventing the ADG from supplying power to the essential buses. This AD requires installing a new or serviceable ADG GCU. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of power from the ADG to the essential buses which, in the event of an emergency, could prevent continued safe flight.
AD 2012-08-11 · published Apr 24, 2012, effective May 29, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by test reports that showed that failure of a retract port flexible hose of a main landing gear (MLG) retraction actuator could cause excessive hydraulic fluid leakage. This AD requires a detailed inspection for defects and damage of the retract port flexible hose on the left and right MLG retraction actuator and replacement of the flexible hose if needed. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct defects and damage of the retract port flexible hose which could lead to an undamped extension of the MLG and could result in MLG structural failure, leading to an unsafe asymmetric landing configuration.
AD 2012-08-13 · published Apr 24, 2012, effective May 29, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of two failures of the single-tabbed bracket on the rudder. This AD requires replacing certain single-tabbed bonding brackets in the airplane empennage with two-tabbed bonding brackets. This AD also requires, for certain airplanes, installing new bonding jumpers, and measuring the resistance of the modified installation to verify resistance is within specified limits. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the bonding jumper bracket, which could result in loss of lightning protection ground path, which could lead to increased lightning-induced currents and subsequent damage to composite structures, hydraulic tubes, and actuator control electronics. In the event of a lightning strike, loss of lightning ground protection could result in the loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2012-08-15 · published Apr 24, 2012, effective May 29, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-604 Variant) airplanes. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of short circuit events during pre- delivery inspections and test flights, one of which resulted in smoke in the cockpit. This AD requires replacing or relocating of certain circuit breaker panel (CBP) bus bars on certain airplanes, inspecting for any loose or improperly crimped lugs in certain electrical panel locations and replacement if necessary, and inspection for foreign object damage in certain areas and removal if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent arcing, damage to adjacent structure, smoke in the cockpit, or loss of system redundancies.
AD 2012-08-16 · published Apr 24, 2012, effective May 29, 2012
Learjet Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Learjet Inc. Model 60 airplanes. This AD was prompted by two incidents of swapped fire extinguishing wires. This AD requires inspecting the electrical leads routed to the fire extinguishing containers for proper identification and missing labels, and to ensure the electrical leads are connected to the correct squibs; and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent the extinguishing agent of the fire extinguishing container from being delivered to the wrong engine in the event of an engine fire, and a consequent uncontrolled fire.
AD 2012-08-02 · published Apr 26, 2012, effective May 31, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes; Model A330-223F and -243F airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that during the evaluation of engine failures at take-off on Airbus flight simulators, it has been shown that with flight control primary computer (FCPC) 1 inoperative, in worst case scenario when FCPC2 and FCPC3 resets occur during rotation at take off, a transient loss of elevator control associated with a temporary incorrect flight control law reconfiguration could occur. This AD requires revising the Limitations section of the applicable airplane flight manual. We are issuing this AD to prevent movement of the elevators to zero position, which could result in inducing a pitch down movement instead of a pitch up movement needed for lift off, resulting in loss of controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-08-12 · published Apr 26, 2012, effective May 31, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an electrical arc and hydraulic haze in the wheel bay of the left-hand main landing gear (MLG) possibly resulting from chafing between the hydraulic high pressure hose and electrical wiring of the green electrical motor pump (EMP). This AD requires temporarily prohibiting in-flight use of the green EMPs; temporarily revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) limitations section; temporarily installing a placard in the cockpit overhead panel; doing a one-time general visual inspection for correct condition and installation of hydraulic pressure hoses, electrical conduits, feeder cables, and associated clamping devices; and corrective action if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing of hydraulic pressure hoses and electrical wiring of the green EMPs, which in combination with a system failure, could cause an uncontrolled and undetected fire in the MLG bay.
AD 2012-08-14 · published Apr 26, 2012, effective May 31, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the upper wing skin at the fastener holes common to the pitch load fittings of the inboard and outboard front spar, which could result in the loss of the strut-to-wing upper link load path and possible separation of a strut and engine from the airplane during flight. This AD requires repetitive inspections to detect fatigue cracking in the wing skin, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-08-17 · published Apr 26, 2012, effective May 31, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes equipped with analog transient suppression devices (ATSDs) installed in accordance with Supplemental Type Certificate ST00146BO. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of corrosion on ATSDs. This AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate certain limitations. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion on ATSDs, which could result in the loss of high voltage transient protection (e.g., lightning protection) in the fuel tanks and consequent fuel tank explosion and loss of the airplane.
AD 2012-07-01 · published Apr 5, 2012, effective Apr 20, 2012
Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB412 helicopters with certain tail rotor blades (blades) installed. This AD requires, before further flight, removing and replacing each affected blade with an airworthy blade. This AD is prompted by incidents where a blade tip weight separated from a blade in flight on other model helicopters with common part-numbered blades. It has been determined that this unsafe condition may also exist on the specified Agusta model helicopters. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent loss of the blade tip weight, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-06-24 · published Apr 10, 2012, effective May 15, 2012
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This AD was prompted by the discovery of tail rotor blade assemblies (blades) manufactured with mislocated aluminum wire mesh, leaving portions of the graphite torque tube (spar) region unprotected from a lightning strike. The actions are intended to detect mislocated blade wire mesh and to prevent spar delamination, loss of the blade tip cap during a lightning strike, blade imbalance, loss of a blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2011-18-52 · published Apr 18, 2012, effective May 3, 2012
Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters that requires establishing a revised life limit for each tail rotor (T/R) blade and updating the helicopter's historical records, repetitively inspecting T/R blades for a crack, and replacing certain T/R blades. This AD is prompted by a fatal accident involving an Agusta Model AW139 helicopter, which may have been caused by cracks in a T/R blade. These actions are intended to detect and prevent a crack in a T/R blade, which could lead to failure of a T/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-02-51 · published Apr 19, 2012, effective May 4, 2012
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters with certain main rotor blades installed to reduce the life limit of those blades. This AD is prompted by two accidents and the subsequent investigations that revealed that, in each accident, a main rotor blade failed because of fatigue cracking. These actions are intended to prevent failure of the main rotor blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-08-01 · published Apr 19, 2012, effective May 24, 2012
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer's analysis of engine data that revealed the data was inaccurate in dealing with available above specification engine power margin. This AD requires revising the Operating Limitations section of the Sikorsky Model S-92A Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM). The actions are intended to prevent the use of inaccurate engine performance data in calculating maximum gross weight by revising the Operating Limitations section of the RFM.
AD 2012-06-23 · published Apr 5, 2012, effective Apr 20, 2012
Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 875-17, RB211-Trent 877-17, RB211-Trent 884-17, RB211-Trent 884B-17, RB211-Trent 892-17, RB211- Trent 892B-17, and RB211-Trent 895-17 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections (UIs) of certain low-pressure (LP) compressor blades identified by serial number (S/N). This AD requires the same actions but expands the population of blades. This AD was prompted by RR concluding that additional blades affected must be inspected. We are issuing this AD to prevent LP compressor blades from failing due to blade root cracks, which could lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-07-09 · published Apr 19, 2012, effective May 24, 2012
Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Turbomeca S.A. Arrius 2F turboshaft engines with P3 air pipe (first section) part number (P/N) 0 319 71 918 0, installed. That AD currently requires inspections of the P3 air pipe (first section) and right-hand (RH) rear half-wall for proper clearance and readjustment of the pipe if necessary. This new AD requires the same inspections for installed engines, eliminates readjusting of the P3 air pipe (first section), requires replacement of the RH rear half-wall under certain conditions, and adds an optional terminating action. This AD was prompted by Turbomeca determining that the clearance between the P3 air pipe (first section) and the RH rear half-wall might change during installation of the engine on the helicopter. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded power loss to flight idle, which could result in an emergency autorotation landing or accident.
AD 2012-08-18 · published Apr 25, 2012, effective May 30, 2012
Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2B and 2B1 turboshaft engines. This AD was prompted by the discovery of non-conformities of certain power turbine (PT) blade fir-tree roots. This AD requires removing the affected PT blades from service on or before reaching a new reduced life limit for those certain PT blades. We are issuing this AD to prevent PT blade rupture, which could result in an uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown, forced autorotation landing, or accident.
AD 2012-08-08 · published Apr 24, 2012, effective May 29, 2012
Learjet Inc.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Learjet Inc., Model 45 airplanes. This AD was prompted by changes to the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the maintenance manual, which adds life-limits, revises life-limits, or adds inspections not previously identified. This AD requires revising the maintenance program to include new or more restrictive life-limits and inspections. We are issuing this AD to limit exposure of flight critical components to corrosion, cracking, or failure due to life-limits, which if not corrected, could result in loss of roll control, fatigue cracking, or loss of structural components.
AD 2012-06-15 · published Apr 10, 2012, effective May 15, 2012
DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Sailplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for DG Flugzeugbau GmbH Models DG-500 Elan Orion, DG-500 Elan Trainer, DG-500/ 20 Elan, and DG-500/22 Elan sailplanes and Models DG-500M and DG-500MB powered sailplanes. 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 incorrect re-installation of the rear cockpit securing rope for the headrest of the rear seat during maintenance, which could cause the rear seat to interfere with the control stick of the sailplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
