30 Airworthiness Directives: 22 airplane, 2 rotorcraft, 6 engine.
AD 2012-09-01 · published May 3, 2012, effective Jun 7, 2012
Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company Model 560XL airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of wheel inserts becoming loose and damaging brake assemblies on Model 560XL airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the torque lug and surrounding components (wheel base, side rim, lock ring) for damage (such as corrosion, cracks, dents, bent areas, damaged or missing paint or primer, or wear on the metal), and of the bearing cup for corrosion, turned cup, or clearance that exceeds limits, and repair as applicable; measuring the torque lugs for width and replacing screws and inserts with new, improved screws and inserts; and re-identifying the wheel assemblies. We are issuing this AD to prevent brake failure, which could result in an airplane not being able to stop on the runway.
AD 2012-09-02 · published May 3, 2012, effective Jun 7, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes. This AD was prompted by analysis that in a specific failure case of the upper primary attachment of the trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuator (THSA), the THSA upper secondary attachment engaged because it could only withstand the loads for a limited period of time. This AD requires installing three secondary retention plates for the gimbal bearings on the THSA upper primary attachment. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the secondary load path, which could result in loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2012-09-03 · published May 3, 2012, effective Jun 7, 2012
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of hydraulic accumulator failure. This AD requires replacing certain hydraulic accumulators with stainless steel hydraulic accumulators, and structural modifications in the nose landing gear bay. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of hydraulic accumulators, which may result in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.
AD 2012-09-04 · published May 7, 2012, effective Jun 11, 2012
The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER Series Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. That AD currently requires inspections to detect cracking or corrosion of the fail-safe straps between the side fitting of the rear spar bulkhead at body station 955 and the skin; and follow- on and corrective actions. This new AD expands the applicability; and adds an inspection for cracking in the fail-safe strap, and repair or replacement if necessary. This AD was prompted by additional reports of cracks in 51 fail-safe straps on 41 airplanes; we have also received a report of a crack found in the "T" fitting that connects the fail- safe strap to the outboard edge of the pressure deck. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking or corrosion of the fail-safe straps and the "T" fittings, which could result in cracking of adjacent structure and consequent reduced structural integrity of the fuselage.
AD 2012-01-05 · published May 8, 2012, effective Jun 12, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B2-1C, B2K-3C, B2-203, B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; and Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4- 605R, B4-622R, and F4-605R airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking in Gear Rib 5 of the main landing gear (MLG) attachment fittings at the lower flange, and repair if necessary; and provides an optional spot-facing modification around certain fastener holes, which would terminate certain repetitive inspections. This new AD mandates the optional spot-facing modification. This AD was prompted by new cases of cracks discovered during scheduled maintenance checks. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of the Gear Rib 5 right-hand and left-hand attachment fitting at the lower flanges of the MLG, which could result in failed bolts penetrating through the rear spar and into a fuel tank, consequent fuel loss, and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2012-09-05 · published May 8, 2012, effective Jun 12, 2012
Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 2-Fokker Services B.V.2-Model F.28 Mark 0100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of failure of the main fitting on Messier-Dowty main landing gear (MLG) units due to fatigue cracking in the area of the filler and bleeder holes, and failure of the sliding member due to fatigue cracking at the area of the chrome run-out/lower radius of the sliding tube portion of the sliding member. This AD requires modification and re-identification of the MLG units, or replacement of the MLG unit with a modified one. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the main fitting or sliding member on the MLG, which could lead to failure of the MLG and possibly loss of control of the airplane during landing rollout.
AD 2012-09-06 · published May 8, 2012, effective Jun 12, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-700 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the aft seat leg fittings span the station (STA) 521.45 "stay-out zone." This AD requires for certain airplanes, replacing the seat track pivot link assemblies, seat track sections, and floor panels. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires moving certain rows of passenger seats. For certain other airplanes, this AD also requires inspecting certain areas of the seat tracks for damage, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the seat attachment structure and possible injury to passengers during an emergency landing.
AD 2012-09-07 · published May 14, 2012, effective Jun 18, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319-111, -112, and -132 airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214 and -232 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -211, -212, and -231 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that corrosion was found on the overwing refueling aperture on the top wing skin, and that for certain airplanes, repairs made using primer coating may prevent proper electrical bonding provision between the overwing refueling cap adaptor and the wing skin. This AD requires performing an electrical bonding test between the gravity fill re-fuel adaptor and the top skin panels on the left-hand and right-hand wings, and if necessary performing a general visual inspection for corrosion of the component interface and adjacent area, and repairing the gravity fuel adaptor if any corrosion is found. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion and improper bonding, which in combination with a lightning strike in this area, could create a source of ignition in a fuel tank, resulting in a fire or explosion, and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2012-09-08 · published May 14, 2012, effective Jun 18, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of multiple site damage cracks in the radial web lap and tear strap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead at station (STA) 1582 due to fatigue. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead at STA 1582, repair or replacement of any cracked bulkhead, and eventual replacement of the aft pressure bulkhead at STA 1582 with a new bulkhead. Accomplishing the replacement terminates the repetitive inspections required by this AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane and possible damage or interference with the airplane control systems that penetrate the bulkhead, and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-09-12 · published May 17, 2012, effective Jun 21, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319-111, -112, -113, -114, -115, -131, -132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-111, -211, -212, -214, -231, -232, and - 233 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, and -131 airplanes; equipped with an additional center tank (ACT). That AD currently requires identifying the part number of the ACT and, for certain ACTs, replacing the outer ACT manhole cover and seal. This new AD requires modifying certain ACTs by replacing the manhole seal with a new seal; adding certain ACT equipped airplanes to the applicability; and removing Model A320-111 airplanes from the applicability. This AD was prompted by reports that the modification required by the current AD was not fully effective. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel and/or vapor leakage, which could result in a combustible fuel vapor/air mixture in the cargo compartment, and consequent fire risk.
AD 2012-09-13 · published May 17, 2012, effective Jun 21, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 freighter series airplanes; Model A330-200 and - 300 series airplanes; and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of corrosion found on the main fitting of the nose landing gear (NLG) leg in the vicinity of the dowel pin bushes retaining the lower steering flange. This AD requires modifying the NLG main fitting by adding primer paint to the cadmium around the dowel bush holes. We are issuing this AD to prevent NLG main fitting rupture, which could result in an NLG collapse.
AD 2012-09-14 · published May 17, 2012, effective Jun 21, 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 reports of fractured and missing latch pin retention bolts that secure the latch pins on the forward cargo door. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for fractured or missing latch pin retention bolts, replacement of existing titanium bolts with new Inconel bolts, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fractured and missing latch pin retention bolts, which could result in potential separation of the cargo door from the airplane and catastrophic decompression of the airplane.
AD 2012-10-02 · published May 17, 2012, effective Jun 21, 2012
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Models 58 and G58 airplanes. This AD was prompted by installation of oversized clamps on fuel vapor return and/ or fuel vent lines in the outboard sections of the left and right wings. This AD requires inspecting for oversized or deformed fuel hose clamps and replacing as necessary. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-10-03 · published May 21, 2012, effective Jun 25, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracks of the fuselage skin lap splice between body station (BS) 400 and BS 520 at stringers S-6L and S-6R, and repair if necessary. This new AD shortens the interval for the repetitive inspections, requires modification for certain airplanes, and requires certain post-modification inspections for other airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of multiple adjacent cracks on an airplane, and a recent fleet-wide evaluation of widespread fatigue damage of skin lap joints, which indicated the need for revised procedures and reduced compliance times. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the fuselage skin lap splice between BS 400 and BS 520 at stringers S-6L and S-6R, which could result in sudden loss of cabin pressurization and the inability of the fuselage to withstand fail-safe loads.
AD 2012-10-04 · published May 21, 2012, effective Jun 5, 2012
Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company Models 210G, T210G, 210H, T210H, 210J, T210J, 210K, T210K, 210L, T210L, 210M, T210M, 210N, T210N, P210N, 210R, T210R, and P210R airplanes. This AD requires an inspection(s) of the left and right wing lower main spar caps for cracks and either replacing cracked wing lower main spar caps, wing spars, or wings (as applicable) with serviceable spar caps, spars, or wings that are found free of cracks or incorporating an FAA-approved modification. This AD also requires reporting the results of the inspections to the FAA. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found in the wing lower main spar caps on the above-referenced airplanes with cantilever metal wings. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-10-05 · published May 21, 2012, effective Jun 25, 2012
Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by an in-flight failure of the hydraulic control panel, which resulted in the absence of pressure and quantity indication of the hydraulic system and accompanying alerts for "hydraulic system 1 low quantity" and "hydraulic system 2 low quantity." This AD requires implementing new abnormal procedures for hydraulics in the airplane flight manual (AFM). We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of control of the airplane due to incorrect hydraulic system failure information being provided to the flightcrew, followed by application of inappropriate procedures.
AD 2012-10-06 · published May 21, 2012, effective Jun 25, 2012
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that environmentally friendly de-icing agents used on certain electrical connectors and braids could cause corrosion damage. This AD requires performing, in certain locations, a detailed inspection for corrosion of the electrical and electronics installation, and if corrosion is found repairing each affected harness braid or replacing each affected component and/or wiring harness. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion of critical system wiring, which could result in arcing and, in combination with other factors, a fire and consequent damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-10-08 · published May 22, 2012, effective Jun 26, 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 a one- time inspection of the main landing gear (MLG) shock strut assemblies for part and serial numbers; for certain MLG shock strut assemblies, a one-time inspection of the torque link apex joint, and corrective actions if necessary; and, for certain MLG shock strut assemblies, replacement or rework of the apex nut. This new AD continues to require the actions in the existing AD, and adds the previously omitted part and serial numbers. This AD was prompted by reports of loose or detached main landing gear (MLG) torque link apex pin locking plate and the locking plate retainer bolt in the torque link apex joint. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improper assembly and damage of the MLG torque link apex joint, which could cause heavy vibration during landing, consequent damage to MLG components, and subsequent collapse of the MLG.
AD 2012-10-07 · published May 25, 2012, effective Jun 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 deformation of the pressure regulator on the oxygen cylinder, which was attributed to batches of raw material that did not meet required tensile strength. This AD requires an inspection to determine if certain oxygen pressure regulators are installed, and replacement of oxygen cylinder and regulator assemblies (CRAs) containing pressure regulators that do not meet required material properties. 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 would not be available when required.
AD 2012-10-09 · published May 25, 2012, effective Jun 29, 2012
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. (type certificate previously held by The New Piper Aircraft Inc.) Models PA-31T and PA-31T1 airplanes. That AD currently requires correcting a model identification error on the aircraft data plate. Since we issued that AD, we have become aware that some owner/operators of the affected airplanes modified the aircraft data plate in error because of confusion in the serial number applicability. Because of the confusion, the manufacturer has issued new service information to clarify affected airplane serial numbers. This new AD requires determining the airplane model based on the serial number and modifying the aircraft data plate to properly identify the airplane model. This new AD also requires doing a detailed search for all applicable airworthiness related documents that apply to any airplane that has an incorrectly marked data plate and take necessary corrective actions based on the search findings. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-10-10 · published May 25, 2012, effective Jun 29, 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 reports of corrosion damage on the outer diameter chrome surface of the horizontal stabilizer pivot pins. Micro-cracks in the chrome plating of the pivot pin, some of which extended into the base metal, were also reported. This condition, if not corrected, could result in a fractured horizontal stabilizer pivot pin. This AD requires replacing the existing horizontal stabilizer pivot pins with new or reworked pivot pins having improved corrosion resistance, doing repetitive inspections after installing the pivot pins, and doing corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent a fractured horizontal stabilizer pivot pin, which may cause excessive horizontal stabilizer freeplay and structural damage significant enough to result in loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2012-11-06 · published May 29, 2012, effective May 29, 2012
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-1159, G-1159A, and G-1159B airplanes. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, a measurement to determine the clearance (gap) of the exposed rounded portion of the doubler and clothespin fitting at the wing-to-fuselage attachment, and repair if necessary. This AD also requires, for certain other airplanes, determining if a certain aircraft service change has been incorporated, and for affected airplanes, a measurement to determine the clearance (gap) of the exposed rounded portion of the doubler and clothespin fitting at the wing-to-fuselage attachment, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report of an improper structural modification that had excessive gaps in the wing-to-fuselage attachment fittings. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct excessive gaps in the wing-to-fuselage attachment fittings, which could result in reduced structural integrity at the wing-to-fuselage attachment and consequent separation of the wing from the airplane.
AD 2012-10-51 · published May 15, 2012
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
AD 2012-10-01 · published May 25, 2012, effective Jun 29, 2012
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (BHTC) Model 427 helicopters which requires replacing certain tailboom attachment hardware and at certain intervals thereafter, determining the torque of that tailboom attachment hardware. This AD was prompted by a review of the tailboom attachment installation, which revealed that the torque value of the bolts specified in the BHTC Model 427 Maintenance Manual and applied during manufacturing was incorrect and exceeded the torque range recommended for the bolts. The actions are intended to prevent an over- torque of the tailboom attachment bolt (bolt), bolt failure, loss of the tailboom, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-09-10 · published May 8, 2012, effective May 23, 2012
Pratt & Whitney Canada Turboprop Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A-38, -41, -42, -42A, -61, -64, -66, -66B, - 110, -112, -114, -114A, -121, -135, and -135A series turboprop engines. This AD requires removal from service of certain part manufacturer approval (PMA) replacement Timken Alcor Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (TAATI) first stage sun gears and planet gears installed in the reduction gearbox. This AD was prompted by failures of certain first stage sun gears manufactured by TAATI. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the sun gear and planet gears which will result in an engine in-flight shut down, possible uncontained engine failure, aircraft damage, and serious injuries.
AD 2012-09-09 · published May 23, 2012, effective Jun 27, 2012
International Aero Engines AG Turbofan Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all International Aero Engines AG (IAE) V2500-A1, V2525-D5 and V2528-D5 turbofan engines, and certain serial numbers (S/Ns) of IAE V2522-A5, V2524-A5, V2527-A5, V2527E-A5, V2527M-A5, V2530-A5, and V2533-A5 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive ultrasonic inspections (USIs) of certain high-pressure compressor (HPC) stage 3 to 8 drums, and replacement of drum attachment nuts. This new AD expands the affected population for initial and repetitive inspections of the HPC stage 3 to 8 drum, introduces an eddy current inspection (ECI) procedure, and requires additional cleaning and repetitive USI of some HPC stage 3 to 8 drums. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained failure of the HPC stage 3 to 8 drum, which could result in damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-10-13 · published May 24, 2012, effective Jun 8, 2012
Continental Motors, Inc. (CMI) Reciprocating Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Continental Motors, Inc. (CMI) models TSIO-520, TSIO-550-K, TSIOF-550K, and IO-550-N series reciprocating engines with new or rebuilt CMI starter adapters installed between January 1, 2011 and November 20, 2011. That AD currently requires replacing affected CMI starter adapters with starter adapters eligible for installation. This AD requires the same actions, but to an expanded population of reciprocating engines. This AD was prompted by two additional reports received of fractures in starter adapter gear shafts in certain additional part number (P/N) CMI starter adapters since we issued the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent starter adapter gear shaft failure which could cause oil scavenge pump failure and engine in-flight shutdown.
AD 2012-10-12 · published May 25, 2012, effective Jun 29, 2012
Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Turbofan Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all RR RB211-Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2-61, 560-61, 560A2-61, 768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires inspecting the intermediate-pressure (IP) compressor rotor shaft rear balance land for cracks. This new AD continues to require initial inspections, adds additional inspections, and a mandatory terminating action. This AD was prompted by additional cracking on RB211-Trent 700 and RB211-Trent 800 IP compressor rotor shafts found since the existing AD was issued. We are issuing this AD to detect cracking on the IP compressor rotor rear balance land. IP compressor rotor rear balance land cracking can lead to uncontained failure of the rotor and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-11-01 · published May 31, 2012, effective Jun 15, 2012
Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 800 series turbofan engines. This AD requires removal from service of certain critical engine parts based on reduced life limits. This AD was prompted by RR adding a new flight profile and an associated set of life limits. 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 2012-11-07 · published May 31, 2012, effective Jul 5, 2012
Honeywell International, Inc. Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Honeywell International, Inc. ALF502L-2C; ALF502R-3; ALF502R-3A; ALF502R-5; LF507-1F; and LF507-1H turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by two reports of engines experiencing uncontained release of low-pressure (LP) turbine blades. This AD requires operational checks of the engine overspeed trip system. We are issuing this AD to prevent LP turbine overspeed leading to uncontained release of the LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane.
