31 Airworthiness Directives: 16 airplane, 7 rotorcraft, 5 engine, 1 appliance, 2 various.
AD 2012-13-04 · published Jul 2, 2012, effective Aug 6, 2012
Empresa Brasileria de Aeronáutica S.A. (EMBRAER) Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Empresa Brasileria de Aeron[aacute]utica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-505 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 an inadequate amount of drain holes in the primary control surfaces (rudder, elevator, and aileron) and their tab surfaces, which may allow water to accumulate in the control surfaces. This condition could cause unbalanced flight control surfaces and reduced flutter margins, which could result in loss of control of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-13-07 · published Jul 2, 2012, effective Jul 17, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD requires inspecting parts or doing a records review to determine if certain trailing edge flap carriages are installed, doing repetitive inspections for corrosion, and flaking or missing thermal coating on suspect carriage spindles, and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary; this AD also provides optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion found on carriage that are located on the outboard flaps. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion of the carriage spindle, which could result in a fracture; fracture of both the inboard and outboard carriage spindles, at the forward ends through the large diameters, on a single flap assembly, could adversely affect the continued safe flight and landing of the airplane.
AD 2012-13-06 · published Jul 10, 2012, effective Aug 14, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; all Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model 300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes). This AD was prompted by reports of an inoperative fire shut-off valve (FSOV) as a result of damage due to over-length of the bonding lead. This AD requires a one- time detailed inspection for length of the FSOV bonding leads and for contact or chafing of the wires, and corrective actions, if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct contact or chafing of wires and bonding leads which, if not detected could be a source of sparks in the wing trailing edge, and could lead to an uncontrolled engine fire.
AD 2012-13-08 · published Jul 10, 2012, effective Aug 14, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-200B, 747- 200C, 747-200F, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes, without a stretched upper deck or stretched upper deck modification. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracks of each affected tension tie and of the surrounding structure, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD requires, for certain airplanes, modifying the tension tie structure or tension tie and frame structure at certain stations; and a post-modification inspection of the modified area and post-modification repetitive inspections of the unmodified area, and repair if necessary. Doing the modification would terminate the repetitive inspection requirements in the existing AD. This AD reduces the compliance time and adds inspections for certain airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that certain airplanes have tension ties that are susceptible to widespread fatigue damage. This AD also results from reports of cracks on the forward and aft tension tie channels at station (STA) 740 and STA 760, and a determination that initial inspection intervals need to be reduced. We are issuing this AD to prevent tension ties from becoming severed or disconnected from the frames, which could lead to rapid in-flight decompression.
AD 2012-13-05 · published Jul 12, 2012, effective Aug 16, 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 a report indicating that a fire originated near the first officer's area, which caused extensive damage to the flight deck. This AD requires replacing the low-pressure oxygen hoses with non-conductive low-pressure oxygen hoses in the flight compartment. We are issuing this AD to prevent electrical current from passing through the low-pressure oxygen hose internal anti-collapse spring, which can cause the low-pressure oxygen hose to melt or burn, and a consequent oxygen-fed fire in the flight compartment.
AD 2012-13-09 · published Jul 12, 2012, effective Aug 16, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 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. This AD was prompted by several reports of electrical arcs at terminal "A" of the electrically heated flight deck window 1. This AD requires repetitive inspections for damage of the electrical connections at terminal "A" of the left and right flight deck window 1, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also allows for replacing a flight deck window 1 with a new improved flight deck window 1 equipped with different electrical connections, which would terminate the repetitive inspections for that window. We are issuing this AD to prevent smoke and fire in the cockpit, which could lead to loss of visibility, and injuries to or incapacitation of the flight crew.
AD 2012-13-12 · published Jul 17, 2012, effective Aug 1, 2012
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model G-IV, GIV-X, GV, and GV-SP airplanes. This AD requires measuring to determine paint thickness on the flight control surfaces and corrective actions if necessary, and revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM). This AD was prompted by reports of failure to inspect or document the paint thickness on flight controls (ailerons, rudder, elevator), potentially having a negative impact on the flutter characteristics of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct paint thickness on flight controls, which could result in loss of control of the airplane due to flutter.
AD 2012-14-02 · published Jul 17, 2012, effective Aug 21, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. That AD currently requires replacement of the existing deactivation pin, aft cascade pin bushing, and pin insert on each thrust reverser half with new, improved components. This new AD requires a dye penetrant inspection for cracking of the rivet holes of the bushing plate and repair or replacement, if necessary; and for certain airplanes, replacing the existing bushing with a new bushing and deactivation pin, and installing a new or serviceable stowage bracket for the deactivation pins on all airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D series engines. This AD was prompted by reports that certain airplanes require installation of a new bushing and deactivation pin with increased load carrying capability and all airplanes powered by Pratt & Whitney JT9D series engines require installation of a new bracket for stowing the deactivation pin. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the thrust reverser deactivation pins, which could fail to prevent a deployment of a deactivated thrust reverser in flight and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-14-05 · published Jul 17, 2012, effective Aug 21, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, and A320 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of unsuccessful slide deployments during scheduled deployment tests, and failed functional tests of the release travel of the slide release mechanism. This AD requires inspecting the off-wing slide release cables on the left- and right-hand sides to determine whether a certain part number is installed, and replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent non-availability of left- or right-hand off-wing exit slides that could impair emergency evacuation of the passengers and flightcrew, and could result in personal injuries.
AD 2012-12-15 · published Jul 23, 2012, effective Aug 27, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for The Boeing Company Model 757 Airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations (AWLs) section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating new limitations for fuel tank systems to satisfy Special Federal Aviation Regulation No. 88 requirements. That AD also requires the initial inspection of certain repetitive AWL inspections to phase- in those inspections, and repair if necessary. This new AD requires actions that were provided previously as optional actions, and would require a certain initial inspection to be accomplished for a revised AWL. This AD was prompted by a report that an AWL required by the existing AD must be revised. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2012-14-03 · published Jul 23, 2012, effective Aug 27, 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 fatigue cracks in the lap joints, which initiated at scribe lines that were made during production when maskant was removed from the affected skin panels during the chemical milling process. This AD requires repetitive external phased-array ultrasonic inspections to detect cracks of the affected fuselage skin lap splices in Sections 41, 43, and 44, as applicable, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such fatigue cracking, which could grow large and cause sudden decompression and the inability to sustain limit flight and pressure loads.
AD 2012-14-04 · published Jul 23, 2012, effective Aug 27, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, and DHC-8-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of hydraulic accumulator screw cap or end cap failure. This AD requires replacing the affected parking brake accumulator. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the parking brake accumulator screw caps or end caps, which could result in loss of the number 2 hydraulic system and damage to airplane structures, and could potentially have an adverse effect on the controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-14-13 · published Jul 23, 2012, effective Aug 27, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A318-112 and -121 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, -115, - 132, and -133 airplanes; Model A320-214, -232, and -233 airplanes; and Model A321-211, -212, -213, and -231 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of some fuselage nuts found cracked. This AD requires an inspection to determine if certain fuselage nuts are installed, a detailed inspection for cracking of fuselage nuts having a certain part number, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fuselage nuts found cracked, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2012-13-51 · published Jul 27, 2012, effective Aug 13, 2012
Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate previously held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Gulfstream G150 airplanes. This emergency AD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. This AD requires a one-time detailed or borescope inspection of the left- and right-hand inboard vent holes for debris or obstructions, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that an inboard vent tube hole was completely covered with sealant, which blocked airflow through the vent. Under these conditions, the rise of internal pressure during pressure fueling or due to thermal expansion is sufficient to damage the wing. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct compromised integrity of the wing structure.
AD 2012-15-03 · published Jul 30, 2012, effective Sep 4, 2012
Embraer S.A. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of damage on the rod end of the retracting actuator rod of the main landing gear (MLG). This AD requires performing a one-time general visual inspection to determine if a certain part number is installed on the MLG retraction actuator; if necessary, performing a general visual inspection for discrepancies between the actuator rod end and shock strut lug of the MLG retraction actuator; and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct breakage of the MLG retracting actuator rod, which may result in MLG extension with no hydraulic damping and consequent damage to the locking mechanism and collapse of the MLG.
AD 2012-15-06 · published Jul 30, 2012, effective Sep 4, 2012
Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate Previously Held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace LP (Type Certificate previously held by Israel Aircraft Industries, Ltd.) Model Astra SPX, 1125 Westwind Astra, and Gulfstream 100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report indicating that sponge rubber padding was found between wheel well fuel lines and electrical harnesses. This AD requires inspecting for the presence of sponge rubber padding and for proper separation of the fuel lines and electrical harnesses in the wheel well area, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion or chafing of the fuel lines, which could result in fuel leakage and possible fire in the wheel well area.
AD 2012-13-10 · published Jul 17, 2012, effective Aug 1, 2012
PZL Swidnik S.A. Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the PZL Swidnik S.A. (PZL) Model PZL W-3A helicopter with a certain generator air outlet collector (collector) installed. This AD requires modifying the generator air outlet collector attachments (collector attachments). This AD is prompted by an incident where cyclic control stick movement was restricted due to rotation of a loose collector, resulting in locking of the longitudinal control system hydraulic actuator fork end. These actions are intended to prevent rotation of the collector, which could lead to restricted cyclic control stick movement, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-14-08 · published Jul 17, 2012, effective Aug 1, 2012
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the main gearbox (MGB) for a crack. This AD is prompted by a crack in the cored passage of the MGB housing, which may be indicated by oil on the housing. These actions are intended to detect a crack in the MGB housing, which could result in loss of oil, failure of the MGB, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-14-07 · published Jul 19, 2012, effective Aug 3, 2012
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Helicopters
We are adopting an airworthiness directive (AD) superseding an existing airworthiness directive for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada (Bell) Model 407 and 427 helicopters. The existing AD requires inspecting certain hydraulic servo actuators (servo) to determine whether the shaft turns independently of the nut or the clevis assembly, and additional actions based upon the inspection's outcome. The AD also requires reidentifying the servo. Since we issued that AD, Bell has learned that additional servos may need repair or removal. This AD expands the scope of the current AD to include inspections for all servos, and requires that servos meeting inspection requirements be marked with the letter "V" after the part number on the data plate. The actions are intended to detect any loose or misaligned parts in the servo that could lead to failure of the servo and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
AD 2012-13-11 · published Jul 23, 2012, effective Aug 7, 2012
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model MBB-BK 117 (all versions) and BO-105LS A-3 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the tail rotor pitch link spherical bearing for proper swaging. This AD is prompted by a report of a tail rotor pitch link with a spherical bearing that had migrated out of the bearing bore. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the tail rotor pitch link and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-14-10 · published Jul 23, 2012, effective Aug 7, 2012
Boeing Vertol (Type Certificate Currently Held by Columbia Helicopters, Inc. (CHI)) and Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Limited Helicopters (Kawasaki)
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for CHI Model 107-II and Kawasaki Model KV107-II and KV107-IIA helicopters. This AD requires, before further flight, replacing certain upper collective pitch control yoke bolts. This AD is prompted by three failures of the affected bolts. These actions are intended to prevent failure of an upper collective pitch control yoke bolt (bolt), excessive vibration, migration of the shafts, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-14-14 · published Jul 27, 2012, effective Aug 31, 2012
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB- BK B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, and MBB-BK C-1 helicopters equipped with a certain external-hoist system (hoist system). This AD requires deactivating the entire hoist system or deactivating the hoist system cable cutter function on the hoist system operator control handle (operator handle). This AD was prompted by an uncommanded activation of the hoist cable cutter function on an MBB-BK117 C-1 helicopter. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent uncommanded cutting of the hoist cable and subsequent injury to persons being lifted by the hoist.
AD 2012-15-04 · published Jul 27, 2012, effective Aug 13, 2012
Eurocopter France Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC155B1 helicopters with a certain automated flight control system installed. This AD requires changing the minimum required crew for instrument flight rules (IFR) operations from one pilot to two. This AD is prompted by a report that an EC155B1 helicopter experienced significant intermittent roll oscillations while coupled to the autopilot. These actions are intended to decrease the pilot's workload while experiencing any oscillations during landing, which could result in possible loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2009-07-01 R1 · published Jul 2, 2012, effective Aug 6, 2012
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Turbofan Engines
We are rescinding an airworthiness directive (AD) for RRD BR700-715A1-30, BR700-715B1-30, and BR700-715C1-30 turbofan engines. The existing AD resulted from the need to reduce the published life limits of high-pressure (HP) turbine stage 1 discs, part numbers (P/Ns) BRH20130 and BRH20131, and HP turbine stage 2 discs, P/Ns BRH19423 and BRH19427. We are rescinding the existing AD because RRD has revised the approved published life limits of these parts to the same or higher limits as originally certified.
AD 2012-12-03 · published Jul 2, 2012, effective Jul 17, 2012
Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) models RB211-Trent 970-84, 970B-84, 972- 84, 972B-84, 977-84, 977B-84, and 980-84 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires inspecting the intermediate-pressure (IP) shaft rigid coupling splines for wear resulting in rearward movement of the IP turbine. This AD requires the same inspections, and new inspections based on possible changes in wear rate. This AD was prompted by RR identifying wear beyond engine manual limits on the abutment faces of the splines. RR also determined that an additional IP shaft rigid coupling configuration requires inspection. We are issuing this AD to detect wear on the abutment faces of the splines, which could result in loss of disc integrity, an uncontained failure of the engine, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-11-14 · published Jul 5, 2012, effective Jul 20, 2012
Pratt & Whitney Canada Turboprop Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119B, PW119C, PW120, PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, PW123AF, PW124B, PW125B, PW126A, PW127, PW127E, PW127F, PW127G, and PW127M turboprop engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of certain serial numbers (S/Ns) of propeller shafts for cracks and removal from service if found cracked. This AD was prompted by reports of two propeller shafts found cracked at time of inspection during maintenance. We are issuing this AD to detect propeller shaft cracks, which could cause failure of the shaft, propeller release, and loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2012-14-06 · published Jul 10, 2012, effective Aug 14, 2012
Rolls-Royce Corporation Turboshaft Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce Corporation (RRC) 250-C20, -C20B, and -C20R/2 turboshaft engines. This AD was prompted by seven cases reported of released turbine blades and shrouds, which led to loss of power and engine in- flight shutdowns (IFSDs). This AD requires a one-time visual inspection and fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) on certain 3rd and 4th stage turbine wheels for cracks in the turbine blades. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of 3rd or 4th stage turbine wheel blades which could cause engine failure and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-13-02 · published Jul 19, 2012, effective Aug 23, 2012
Pratt & Whitney Turbofan Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney Division PW4074 and PW4077 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires removing the 15th stage high-pressure compressor (HPC) disk within 12,000 cycles since new (CSN) or using a drawdown removal plan for disks that exceed 12,000 CSN. This new AD requires the same actions and clarifies that 15th stage HPC disks that have accumulated more than 9,865 CSN require a borescope inspection (BSI) or eddy current inspection (ECI) of the disk outer rim front rail for cracks prior to accumulating 12,000 CSN. This AD was prompted by a request from an operator that we clarify our inspection schedule for 15th stage HPC disks that have accumulated more than 9,865, but less than 12,000 CSN, on the effective date of the AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks from propagating into the disk bolt holes, which could result in a failure of the 15th stage HPC disk, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-14-15 · published Jul 19, 2012, effective Jul 19, 2012
Honeywell International, Inc. Global Navigation Satellite Sensor Units
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain aircraft equipped with Honeywell International, Inc. Model KGS200 Mercury\2\ wide area augmentation system (WAAS) global navigation satellite sensor units (GNSSU). This AD requires you cease all localizer performance (LP), localizer performance with vertical guidance (LPV), and satellite based augmentation system (SBAS) lateral navigation/vertical navigation (LNAV/VNAV) approaches until a software problem is corrected. This AD was prompted by a report and follow-up investigation of a software problem that occurred during flight test trials of SBAS-capable aircraft using a similar Honeywell global positioning system (GPS) sensor and the same software as the Model KGS200 Mercury\2\ GNSSU. A software problem occurred that could result in misleading information during LP, LPV, or SBAS LNAV/VNAV approaches. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-14-11 · published Jul 23, 2012, effective Aug 7, 2012
Various Restricted Category Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Arrow Falcon Exporters, Inc. (AFE), Rotorcraft Development Corporation (RDC), and San Joaquin Helicopters (SJH) Model OH-58A, OH-58A+, and OH-58C helicopters to require inspecting the main rotor mast (mast) for a crack. This AD is prompted by two reported failures of the mast from corrosion-initiated fatigue cracking. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the mast and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-15-01 · published Jul 30, 2012, effective Aug 14, 2012
Various Aircraft Equipped With Rotax Aircraft Engines 912 A Series Engine
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various aircraft equipped with Rotax Aircraft Engines 912 A series engine. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as a deviation in the manufacturing process of fuel hoses installed on the pressure side of part number 893114 fuel pumps. The fuel hoses may not be fuel resistant, which could lead to detachment of particles from the fuel hose and cause irregularities in the carburetor function and possibly result in rough engine operation, engine misfire, in-flight engine shutdown, and forced landing. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
