37 Airworthiness Directives: 25 airplane, 7 rotorcraft, 2 engine, 1 appliance, 1 glider, 1 various.
AD 2012-11-03 · published Jun 4, 2012, effective Jul 9, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by four reports of retaining cross bolt hardware not fully engaged into the fuse pins of the forward trunnion lower housing of the main landing gear (MLG), which could result in an incorrect MLG emergency landing break-away sequence. This AD requires a detailed inspection of the fuse pin cross bolts and fuse pins of the left and right MLG forward trunnion lower housing to verify that the cross bolts are correctly installed and that there are no missing fuse pins, and replacement of the fuse pins if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent an incorrect emergency landing MLG break-away sequence, which could result in puncturing of the wing box and consequent fuel leaks and an airplane fire. Failure of the fuse pins could also result in a possible landing gear collapse causing a runway excursion during take-off or landing.
AD 2012-11-04 · published Jun 4, 2012, effective Jul 9, 2012
Bombardier Inc. Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Inc. Model CL-215-1A10 and CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant) airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the lower cap of the wing front and rear spars at wing station (WS) 51.00, and the wing lower skin. Additional actions, if cracking is found, include reworking the lower cap of the front or rear spar, inspecting for cracking, and repairing any cracking. The existing AD also requires reporting inspection results. This new AD requires extending the inspection area of the rear spar lower cap from WS 51.00 to WS 49.50 and modifying the ultrasonic inspection calibration procedure. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking found outside the inspection area. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the lower caps of the wing front and rear spars, and lower wing skin, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2012-11-08 · published Jun 5, 2012, effective Jun 20, 2012
WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation Models 2T-1A, 2T-1A-1, and 2T-1A-2 airplanes. This AD requires inspection of the front and rear horizontal stabilizer spar assemblies with replacement of parts as necessary. This AD was prompted by cracking of the horizontal stabilizer spars, which could lead to failure of the horizontal spars with consequent loss of control. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-11-10 · published Jun 7, 2012, effective Jul 12, 2012
Alpha Aviation Concept Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Alpha Aviation Design Limited) Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 Airplanes. 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 oil lines fitted to affected aircraft are not fire resistant. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-11-11 · published Jun 7, 2012, effective Jul 12, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -400ER series airplanes. That AD currently requires replacing the separation link assembly on the applicable entry and service doors with an improved separation link assembly, and doing related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD adds an airplane to the applicability and removes certain other airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that an additional airplane is subject to the unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of an entry or service door to open fully in the event of an emergency evacuation, which could impede exit from the airplane. This condition could result in injury to passengers or crewmembers.
AD 2012-10-14 · published Jun 18, 2012, effective Jul 23, 2012
SOCATA Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for SOCATA Model TBM 700 airplanes. 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 installation of an incorrect part number during overhaul of the nose landing gear. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-11-15 · published Jun 18, 2012, effective Jul 23, 2012
BAE SYSTEMS (Operations) Limited Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE SYSTEMS (Operations) Limited Model 4101 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking found in the wing rear spar. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection for cracks, corrosion, and other defects of the rear face of the wing rear spar, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the rear spar, which could propagate to a critical length, possibly affecting the structural integrity of the area and resulting in a fuel tank rupture, with consequent damage to the airplane and possible injury to its occupants.
AD 2012-12-01 · published Jun 18, 2012, effective Jul 23, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R and A300 F4-600R series airplanes, Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes, and Model A310 series airplanes. That AD currently requires modifying the wiring in the right-hand electronics rack. This new AD requires replacing the cockpit multi-tank indicators (MTI), and for certain airplanes, replacing high-level, low-level, and overflow sensors and their harness connectors, and re-instating the low-level warning indication to the cockpit MTI. This AD was prompted by reports of failures of four fuel level sensor-amplifier and MTI units. This AD also adds Model A310 series airplanes to the applicability. We are issuing this AD to prevent degradation of the electrical insulation sleeves of the low- level indication lamps on the MTI, which could cause a short circuit that might result in high voltage being conveyed to the high- and low- level sensors in the wing tanks. This condition could cause the level sensor to heat above acceptable limits, possibly resulting in a fuel tank explosion, and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2012-12-02 · published Jun 18, 2012, effective Jul 23, 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) 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 a bleed air leak from the high pressure ducts which was not immediately detected by the bleed leak detection system. This AD requires installing new sensing elements in the main landing gear wheel well and the overwing area, protective blankets on the upper surface of the wing box and fuel tubes, and protective shields on the rudder quadrant support-beam in the aft equipment compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent an undetected bleed air leak which can cause loss of rudder control, can lead to degradation of structural integrity, and could be a potential heat source that can lead to fuel being ignited.
AD 2012-12-04 · published Jun 18, 2012, effective Jul 23, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive external detailed inspections or non-destructive inspections to detect cracks in the fuselage skin along the chem-mill steps at stringers S-1 and S-2R, between station (STA) 400 and STA 460, and repair if necessary. This new AD adds inspections for cracking in additional fuselage skin locations, and repair if necessary. This new AD also reduces the inspection thresholds and repetitive intervals for certain airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of additional crack findings of the fuselage skin at the chem-mill steps. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin panels at the chem- mill steps, which could result in sudden fracture and failure of the fuselage skin panels, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.
AD 2012-12-05 · published Jun 18, 2012, effective Jul 23, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding two existing airworthiness directives (ADs) for certain Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. The first existing AD currently requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections of the Station (STA) 348.2 frame to detect cracking under the stop fittings and intercostal flanges at stringers S-14L, S-15L, and S-16L, and corrective action if necessary. The second existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the intercostal webs, attachment clips, and stringer splice channels, and corrective action if necessary. This new AD requires that the inspection for cracking under the stop fittings be done on additional airplanes; extends the repetitive interval for certain airplanes; adds a one-time inspection to detect missing fasteners; and updates or adds certain inspection and repair instructions. This new AD also requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections of the cargo barrier net fitting for cracking, and repair if necessary. This new AD also adds, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for cracking of the stringer S-15L aft intercostal, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the STA 348.2 frame above the two outboard fasteners attaching the frame inner chord and door stop fittings, and in the outboard chord at stringer S-16L. We have also received reports of missing fasteners in the STA 348.2 frame inner chord. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the intercostals on the forward and aft sides of the forward entry door cutout, which could result in loss of the forward entry door and rapid decompression of the airplane.
AD 2012-12-09 · published Jun 18, 2012, effective Jul 23, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 717-200 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found on the center section ribs of the horizontal stabilizers. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the aft face of the left and right rib hinge bearing lugs of the center section of the horizontal stabilizer; and crack measurement, repairs, post-repair repetitive inspections, and installation of a new center section rib if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the left and right bearing lugs of the rib hinge spreading at the same time, which could result in failure of both hinge bearing lugs. Failure of the hinge bearing lugs could result in the inability of the horizontal stabilizer to sustain flight loads and thereby reduce the controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-12-06 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 30, 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 a design review which revealed the absence of electrical insulation material between a wing or integral center wing tank (ICWT) fuel quantity indication system (FQIS) probe and the bottom of the tank structure. This AD requires for all airplanes, applying sealant below the FQIS probes in the wing tanks; and for certain airplanes, applying sealant below the FQIS probes in the ICWT. This AD also requires revising the aircraft maintenance program by revising the fuel airworthiness limitations and incorporating critical design configuration control limitations (CDCCLs). We are issuing this AD to prevent an ignition source in the tank vapor space, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2012-12-07 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 30, 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 reports of cracks underneath the passenger door in a butt-joint on the forward fuselage of a Model F.28 Mark 0100 airplane. This AD requires repetitive low frequency eddy current inspections of the forward fuselage butt-joints for cracks, and if necessary, a temporary repair followed by a permanent repair. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the butt-joint on the forward fuselage, which could result in explosive decompression and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2012-12-08 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 30, 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 cracked retract actuator fuse pins that can fail earlier than the previously determined safe life limit of the pins. A fractured retract actuator fuse pin can cause the main landing gear to extend without restriction and attempt to lock into position under high dynamic loads. This AD requires an inspection for the part number of the fuse pin, and replacement of the pin if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural damage to the side and drag brace lock assemblies, which could result in landing gear collapse during touchdown, rollout, or taxi.
AD 2012-12-12 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 30, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 series airplanes; Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes; Airbus Model A330-300 series airplanes; Airbus Model A340-200 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of sheared fasteners located on the outside skin of the forward cargo door and cracks on the frame fork ends, as well as cracks of the aft cargo door frame 64A. This AD requires performing a detailed inspection of the outer skin rivets at the frame fork ends of the forward and aft cargo door for sheared, loose, and missing rivets; repairing the outer skin rivets, if necessary; and performing repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct sheared, loose, or missing fasteners on the forward and aft cargo door frame, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the forward and aft cargo door.
AD 2012-12-13 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 30, 2012
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of baggage bay fire bottles that can be misassembled such that two squib electrical connectors can be cross- connected. This AD requires a general visual inspection of certain baggage bay fire bottles for correct connection and for the length of the wiring loom, modification of the wiring loom to certain squib connectors, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct excessive wiring loom length and improper connection of the squib connecters, which in conjunction with a fire in one of the baggage bays, could result in the fire extinguishing agent being discharged into a wrong compartment and consequent damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-12-14 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 30, 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 fatigue cracking on the lower main sill inner chord of the hatch opening of the overwing emergency exit. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking, corrosion damage, and any other irregularity of the lower main sill inner chord and surrounding structure, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking on the lower main sill inner chord of the hatch opening of the overwing emergency exit, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the hatch opening of the overwing emergency exit and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.
AD 2012-12-16 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 30, 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 reports of cracking of certain fuel access panels of the outer wing. This AD requires an external inspection, and if necessary an internal inspection, to determine if certain fuel access panels are installed, and replacement if necessary; optional repetitive inspections for cracking of the fuel access panels, and replacement if necessary, would defer the internal inspection; and eventual replacement of affected fuel access panels with new panels. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracking of fuel access panels, which could result in arcing and ignition of fuel vapor in the outer wing fuel tank during a lightning strike.
AD 2012-12-17 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 30, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of deformation found at the neck of the pressure regulator body on the oxygen cylinder and regulator assembly (CRA). This AD requires an inspection to determine if a certain oxygen CRA is installed and the replacement of affected oxygen CRAs. 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 2012-12-18 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 30, 2012
Dassault Aviation Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the Abnormal Procedures and Limitations sections of the Dassault F7X Airplane Flight Manual. This new AD requires a test of the power distribution control units (PDCU) cards and generator control units (GCU) cards to detect faulty components, and if any faulty components are found, replacing any affected PDCU or GCU card. This AD was prompted by a determination that additional actions are necessary to address the identified unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct a leakage failure mode of transient voltage suppression (TVS) diodes used on PDCU cards or GCU cards in the primary power distribution boxes (PPDB), which, in combination with other system failures, could lead to loss of controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-12-19 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 30, 2012
the Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain the Boeing Company Model 777-200, -200LR, and -300ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report from the manufacturer indicating that the lowered ceiling support structure of Section 41, in airplanes incorporating the overhead space utilization (OSU) option, was found to be under-strength when subjected to a 9.0 g forward load. This AD requires installing new structural members, tie rod(s), and attach fittings on the left and right sides of the lowered ceiling support structure. We are issuing this AD to prevent the forward lowered ceiling panels and support structure from becoming dislodged during a 9.0 g forward load and consequent injury to personnel or interference with an emergency evacuation.
AD 2012-12-22 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 30, 2012
BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack found on the left-hand sidewall well on the nose landing gear (NLG). This AD requires performing a repetitive high frequency eddy current inspection of the stiffeners on the left-hand sidewall on the NLG bay for cracks, and repair or replace the sidewall if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the sidewall, which could result in consequent in-flight rapid decompression of the cabin and injury to the passengers.
AD 2012-13-01 · published Jun 28, 2012, effective Aug 2, 2012
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports indicating that wear of the elevator pushrods has occurred on some airplanes after extended time in service. This AD requires determining if a certain part number is installed, performing a detailed inspection for individual play between the elevator pushrod assembly and degradation of elevator pushrod assembly, and replacing the affected elevator pushrod assembly with a new elevator pushrod assembly if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent a free elevator from affecting the pitch control authority, which may result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-13-03 · published Jun 28, 2012, effective Aug 2, 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 a report of a ground fire which was fed by oxygen escaping from a damaged third crew person oxygen line and had started in the vicinity of an electrical panel. This AD requires replacing and changing the routing of the flexible oxygen hose of the third crew person oxygen line and modifying the entrance compartment assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent the possibility of damage to the third crew person oxygen line and of an oxygen-fed fire in the airplane.
AD 2012-09-11 · published Jun 4, 2012, effective Jul 9, 2012
Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland GMBH (ECD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-1 and C-2 helicopters. This AD requires installing a placard that corresponds to the maximum permissible flight altitude, amending the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) to revise the maximum permissible operating altitude, and inserting revised performance charts into the RFM. This AD also requires a repetitive maintenance "MAX N1 CHECK" to determine the appropriate maximum altitudes. This AD also requires, if the engine or a Fuel Control Unit (FCU) or module 2 or 3 is replaced, repeating the maintenance "MAX N1 CHECK." Finally, this AD specifies that modifying both engines would provide terminating action for the AD requirements. This AD was prompted by the failure of a "few" engines to reach the specified one-engine-inoperative (OEI) rating at altitudes above 10,000 feet. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent flights at altitudes where the full OEI engine power cannot be reached and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter if an OEI operation is required.
AD 2012-11-05 · published Jun 18, 2012, effective Jul 3, 2012
Enstrom Helicopter Corporation Helicopters
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Enstrom Helicopter Corporation (Enstrom) Model F-28C, F-28C-2, F- 28F, 280C, 280F, 280FX, TH-28, 480, and 480B helicopters to add another trim relay to the applicability and to revise the modification instructions. This AD is prompted by the discovery that another part- numbered trim relay, inadvertently omitted from the current AD, may contain the same unsafe condition. These actions are intended to prevent failure of the cyclic trim system and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-11-12 · published Jun 18, 2012, effective Jul 3, 2012
AGUSTA S.p.A. Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AW139 helicopters to determine if the hardware that attaches the upper end of collective control rod C2 to torque tube C3 is properly installed. This AD is prompted by the discovery of an incorrectly-attached collective control rod. These actions are intended to prevent separation of the collective control rod from the torque tube, loss of control of the collective pitch, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-12-11 · published Jun 19, 2012, effective Jul 24, 2012
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada, Limited, Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 206, 206A, 206A-1, 206B, 206B-1, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters, with Aviation Specialties Unlimited, Inc. (ASU), Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) lighting modified by Supplemental Type Certificate SR01383SE (STC). This AD requires determining the date of STC installation, determining if the aircraft has an unfiltered turbine outlet temperature (TOT) internal over-temperature warning light, and based on those findings, installing an NVIS filter. This AD was prompted by the finding that an unfiltered TOT indicator over-temperature warning light, when illuminated, created glare and reflections that could degrade the pilot's view while using night vision goggles thereby creating an unsafe condition. The actions of this AD are intended to modify any unfiltered TOT indicator unit over-temperature warning light by installing a filter to prevent degradation of the pilot's vision while using night vision goggles and to prevent subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-11-02 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 10, 2012
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) that supersedes an existing Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) for certain Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model EC135 helicopters. The existing EAD, which was previously sent to all known U.S. owners and operators of ECD Model EC135 helicopters and not made generally effective by publication in the Federal Register, currently requires inspecting the ring frame between the rear structure tube (tailboom) and the tail rotor fenestron housing (fenestron housing) for a crack before the first flight of each day and replacing any cracked ring frame with an airworthy ring frame. Since we issued that EAD, we have determined that a pre-flight pilot check in conjunction with a recurring 25-hour inspection is sufficient for determining the airworthiness of the ring frame. Additionally, ECD has developed a modification that is terminating action for the requirements of that EAD. This superseding AD revises the inspection requirements of the EAD to allow an owner/operator to perform the pre-flight pilot check, adds a recurring inspection of the ring frame, and allows for installation of a ring frame reinforcement as an optional terminating action for the AD requirements. The actions are intended to detect a crack in the ring frame which could result in loss of the fenestron structure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-12-10 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 30, 2012
Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters with a certain generator control unit (GCU), to require replacing each affected GCU with an airworthy GCU. This AD was prompted by laboratory tests which revealed a potential fault in the overvoltage protection on a certain part-numbered GCU. The actions are intended to prevent failure of the overvoltage protection of the GCU, degraded performance of the electrical power generation and distribution systems, a fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-12-21 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 10, 2012
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. That AD currently requires revising the "Emergency and Malfunction Procedures" and "Performance Data" sections of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) by inserting three temporary pages into the RFM to alert pilots to monitor the power display when a generator is deactivated and provides procedures to prevent failure of the remaining generator. Before we issued that AD, the manufacturer developed a procedure to modify the two "After Junction Boxes" by removing a diode from each box, which provides terminating action for our AD requirements. These actions are intended to require implementing this terminating action to prevent an electrical power system failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter and revising the RFM accordingly, by removing the temporary pages inserted to comply with the superseded AD.
AD 2012-10-52 · published Jun 11, 2012, effective Jun 26, 2012
Hartzell Engine Technologies Turbochargers
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Cessna 206, 207, and 210 airplanes with Hartzell Engine Technologies (HET) turbochargers, part numbers (P/Ns) 406610-0005 and 406610-9005, installed. This emergency AD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. This AD requires removing the affected turbochargers from service before further flight. This AD was prompted by a report of an HET turbocharger causing an engine in-flight power rollback. We are issuing this AD to prevent turbocharger bearing seizure, failed turbocharger components, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-12-20 · published Jun 21, 2012, effective Jul 26, 2012
Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2C1, 2C2, and 2S2 turboshaft engines. This AD requires replacement of affected digital engine control units (DECUs). This AD was prompted by a report of a helicopter experiencing a DECU malfunction during flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of automatic control on one or both engines installed on the same helicopter, which could result in an uncommanded in-flight engine shutdown, forced autorotation landing, or accident.
AD 2012-11-13 · published Jun 25, 2012, effective Jul 30, 2012
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., High Landing Gear Aft Crosstube Assembly
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI), High Landing Gear Aft Crosstube Assembly (aft crosstube) installed on certain Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) and Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) model helicopters as an approved Bell part installed during production or based on a Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). This AD requires certain recurring visual, dimensional, and fluorescent penetrant inspections of each aft crosstube, and replacing any cracked crosstube. This AD also requires establishing a life limit and creating a component history card or equivalent record for one of the affected part-numbered aft crosstubes. This AD was prompted by three reports of failed crosstubes because of cracks. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a crosstube, collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-10-11 · published Jun 4, 2012, effective Jul 9, 2012
Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH Powered Sailplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH Models GROB G 109 and GROB G 109B 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 excessive corrosion on the nose plate in the vertical stabilizer, which could cause the vertical stabilizer nose plate to fail. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-11-09 · published Jun 26, 2012, effective Aug 10, 2012
Various Transport Category Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain transport category airplanes. That AD currently requires either activating all chemical oxygen generators in the lavatories until the generator oxygen supply is expended, or removing the oxygen generator(s); and, for each chemical oxygen generator, after the generator is expended (or removed), removing or restowing the oxygen masks and closing the mask dispenser door. This new AD requires installing a supplemental oxygen system in affected lavatories, which terminates the requirements of the existing AD. This AD was prompted by reports that the current design of the oxygen generators presents a hazard that could jeopardize flight safety. We are issuing this AD to eliminate a hazard that could jeopardize flight safety, and to ensure that all lavatories have a supplemental oxygen supply.
