31 Airworthiness Directives: 22 airplane, 2 rotorcraft, 4 engine, 1 appliance, 2 glider.
AD 2011-19-01 R1 · published Aug 7, 2012, effective Aug 22, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to include a procedure intended to address the unsafe condition, an inspection of the firewall connector for signs of arcing if an integrated drive generator (IDG) (or generator (GEN)) was shut down in-flight automatically or using the AFM procedure, and corrective action if necessary; and provides an optional terminating action for certain AFM revision and inspections. This AD was prompted by the potential for an inadvertent error by flightcrew to use the IDG switch instead of the GEN switch when doing the AFM display unit failure procedure required by the existing AD. This AD retains the actions required by the existing AD and clarifies certain terminology. We are issuing this AD to prevent transient loss of certain systems, which could result in the reduced ability of the flightcrew to cope with adverse flight conditions.
AD 2012-15-09 · published Aug 7, 2012, effective Sep 11, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) certain Airbus Model A310-203, -221, and -222 airplanes. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer re-classifying slat extension eccentric bolts as principal structural elements with replacement due at or before their calculated fatigue lives. This AD replaces certain slat extension eccentric bolts with new bolts. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracking, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2012-15-10 · published Aug 7, 2012, effective Sep 11, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and 747-400D series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight multi-power system loss of the <greek-i>1, <greek-i>2, and <greek-i>3 alternating current electrical power systems located in the main equipment center (MEC). This AD requires installing aluminum gutter reinforcing brackets to the forward and aft drip shield gutters of the MEC; and adding a reinforcing fiberglass overcoat to the top surface of the MEC drip shield, including an inspection for cracking and holes in the MEC drip shield, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides for an option to install an MEC drip shield drain system, which, if accomplished, would extend the compliance time for adding the reinforcing fiberglass overcoat to the top surface of the MEC drip shield. We are issuing this AD to prevent water penetration into the MEC, which could result in the loss of flight critical systems.
AD 2012-15-11 · published Aug 7, 2012, effective Sep 11, 2012
Dassault Aviation Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 7X airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that a passenger oxygen pipe at frame 10 was chafing against the forward lavatory rear structure, raising the risk of the oxygen pipe developing a crack. This AD requires modifying the routing of and, if necessary, replacing, the oxygen pipe. We are issuing this AD to prevent rupture of the oxygen pipe which, in case of a cabin depressurization, would impair operation of the passenger oxygen distribution system.
AD 2012-15-12 · published Aug 7, 2012, effective Sep 11, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks of the underwing longeron fittings in the wing center section. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the underwing longeron fitting for cracking, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in loss of the primary load path between the fuselage and the wing box, and consequent catastrophic damage to the wing box and failure of the wing.
AD 2012-15-14 · published Aug 7, 2012, effective Sep 11, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-103, B4-203, and B4-2C airplanes, and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called A300-600 series airplanes). This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the forward lug of the main landing gear (MLG) rib 5 aft bearing attachment. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the left-hand (LH) and right- hand (RH) wing MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the LH and RH wing MLG rib 5 aft bearing forward lugs, which could affect the structural integrity of the MLG attachment, resulting in MLG collapse during landing or rollout with consequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.
AD 2012-15-13 · published Aug 8, 2012, effective Sep 12, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Model 747-100B SUD, 747-300, 747-400, and 747-400D series airplanes; and Model 747-200B series airplanes having a stretched upper deck. The existing AD currently requires repetitively inspecting for cracking or discrepancies of the fasteners in the tension ties, shear webs, and frames at body stations 1120 through 1220; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. That AD requires modifying the frame-to-tension-tie joints at body stations 1120 through 1220 (including related investigative actions and corrective actions if necessary), which provides a terminating action for the repetitive inspections. That AD also requires new repetitive inspections after the modification, corrective actions if necessary, and additional modification requirements at a specified time after the first modification. That AD also removed certain airplanes from the applicability. That AD was prompted by reports of cracked and severed tension ties, broken fasteners, and cracks in the frame, shear web, and shear ties adjacent to tension ties for the upper deck. This AD revises the existing AD by adding repetitive open hole high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking in the forward and aft tension tie channels, and repair if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires a one-time angle inspection to determine if the angle is installed correctly, and re-installation if necessary; and a one-time open hole HFEC inspection at the fastener locations where the tension tie previously attached to the frame prior to certain modifications, and repair if necessary. This AD also, for the Stage 2 inspections, reduces the initial compliance times for those inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the tension ties, shear webs, and frames of the upper deck, which could result in rapid decompression and reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2012-15-16 · published Aug 8, 2012, effective Sep 12, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that various pushrods had been manufactured with tubes having the incorrect heat treatment. This AD requires replacing the affected pushrod assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of rudder control, reduced directional control of the airplane on the ground, or a jammed nose landing gear (NLG) door that could prevent the NLG from retracting or extending.
AD 2012-15-17 · published Aug 8, 2012, effective Sep 12, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 B4-603, B4-605R, and B4-622R airplanes; Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes; and Model A300 F4-600R series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that chafing was detected between the autopilot electrical wiring conduit and the wing bottom skin. This AD requires modifying the wiring installation on the right-hand wing. We are issuing this AD to prevent sparking due to electrical chafing when flammable vapors are present in the area, which could cause an uncontrolled fire.
AD 2012-16-05 · published Aug 14, 2012, effective Sep 18, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 and -200 freighter series airplanes; and Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. This AD requires modification of the control circuit for the fuel pumps for the center fuel tanks for certain airplanes, and center and rear fuel tanks for certain other airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2012-16-06 · published Aug 14, 2012, effective Sep 18, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 B4-600 series airplanes and Model A310-203, -204, - 221, and -222 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a capacitive density condensator (cadensicon) coil overheating during testing. This AD requires an inspection to determine if a certain fuel quantity indication computer (FQIC) is installed, replacement of identified FQICs, and modification of the associated wiring. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct potential overheating of the cadensicon coil, which could create an ignition source inside a fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2012-16-07 · published Aug 14, 2012, effective Sep 18, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of chem-mill step cracking on the aft lower lobe fuselage skins. This AD requires inspections of the fuselage skin at the chem- mill steps, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking on the aft lower lobe fuselage skins, which could result in decompression of the airplane.
AD 2012-16-08 · published Aug 14, 2012, effective Sep 18, 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 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking and surface anomalies of the fuselage skin at the water trap/air dryer unit of the forward discharge valve due to corrosion. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for bulging, surface anomalies, and cracking of the fuselage skin adjacent to the discharge valves, repair if necessary, and application of additional sealant in the affected area if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct bulging, surface anomalies, and cracking that could propagate towards the forward discharge valve outlet, which could result in the failure of the fuselage skin, leading to a possible sudden loss of cabin pressure.
AD 2012-16-10 · published Aug 14, 2012, effective Sep 18, 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 chafing on high pressure fuel lines due to improper installation of an expandable pin on the lower cowl assembly. This AD requires installing spring clips and repositioning the lanyard attachment points at the forward end and the forward firefloor of the lower cowl. We are issuing this AD to prevent chafing of the high pressure fuel lines, which if not corrected, could cause fuel leakage in a fire zone.
AD 2012-16-09 · published Aug 17, 2012, effective Sep 21, 2012
Embraer S.A. Airplanes
We are superseding two existing airworthiness directives (AD) for all Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 airplanes. Those ADs currently require revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to introduce limitations for the use of auxiliary power unit (APU) bleed and to prohibit dispatch with a failed air management system (AMS) controller card. This new AD requires replacing the AMS controller processor module with one containing new software, and a new AFM revision. This AD was prompted by reports of the possible loss of automatic activation of the engine inlet ice protection system. We are issuing this AD to prevent the possibility of a right-hand (RH) engine compressor stall after the APU becomes the active bleed source for the left side, which may result in an engine failure; and to prevent the intermittent communication failure between the AMS controller cards and both secondary power distribution assemblies (SPDAs), which could lead to the loss of automatic activation of the engine inlet ice protection system when flying in icing conditions, which could result in ice accretion in the engine inlet and subsequent dual engine failure.
AD 2012-16-11 · published Aug 17, 2012, effective Sep 21, 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 that some nuts installed on the wing, including on primary structural elements, were found cracked. This AD requires inspecting to determine if certain nuts are installed or cracked, and replacing the affected nuts if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct missing and cracked nuts, which could result in the structural integrity of the airplane wings being impaired.
AD 2012-16-12 · published Aug 17, 2012, effective Sep 21, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 707 airplanes, and Model 720 and 720B series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the midspar fittings, and of the engine and nacelle strut separating from the airplane. This AD requires performing a detailed inspection of the midspar fittings of the nacelle strut to confirm that the correct part number is installed, and installing the correct part number if necessary; performing repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections of the midspar fittings of the nacelle strut for cracks, and repair if necessary; and performing repetitive general visual inspections of the nacelle struts to verify that the nacelle strut has not drooped below its normal position, applying the droop stripe to the nacelle strut and sailboat fairing if necessary, and performing repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the midspar fitting, which could result in separation of the nacelle strut and engine from the airplane while in flight, and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-16-15 · published Aug 21, 2012, effective Sep 25, 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 jamming/malfunctioning of the left-hand engine thrust control mechanism. This AD requires modifying the left-hand engine upper core-cowl. We are issuing this AD to prevent jamming/malfunctioning of the left-hand engine thrust control mechanism, which could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2012-16-16 · published Aug 22, 2012, effective Sep 26, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of extensive corrosion of the ballscrew of the drive mechanism of the horizontal stabilizer trim actuator. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for discrepancies of the horizontal stabilizer ballscrew assembly; repetitive lubrication of the horizontal stabilizer trim control system; repetitive measurements for discrepancies of the ballscrew to ballnut freeplay; and corrective actions, if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent undetected failure of the primary and secondary load paths for the ballscrew in the horizontal stabilizer, which could lead to loss of control of the horizontal stabilizer and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2012-08-06 · published Aug 29, 2012, effective Oct 3, 2012
Univair Aircraft Corporation Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Univair Aircraft Corporation Models (ERCO) 415-C, 415-CD, 415-D, E, G; (Forney) F-1 and F-1A; (Alon) A-2 and A2-A; and (Mooney) M10 airplanes. That AD currently requires an inspection of the aileron balance assembly and ailerons for cracks and excessive looseness of associated parts with the required repair or replacement of defective parts as necessary. This new AD would add airplanes to the Applicability section; require inspections of the ailerons, aileron balance assembly, and aileron rigging for looseness or wear, require repair or replacement of parts as necessary; and require a report of the inspection results. This new AD was prompted by a report of a Univair Aircraft Corporation Model ERCO 415-D Ercoupe that crashed after an in-flight breakup due to possible aileron flutter. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-15-15 · published Aug 29, 2012, effective Oct 3, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200CB, and -300 series airplanes. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive inspections of the fuselage skin and bear strap at the forward, upper corner of the L1 entry door cutout for cracking, and repair if necessary. That action also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This new AD requires additional inspections for airplanes having repairs or preventative modifications installed and inspections for certain other airplanes. This AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by reports of additional cracking in the fuselage skin. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the fuselage skin and bear strap at the forward upper corner of the L1 entry door cutout, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the L1 entry door, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.
AD 2012-16-04 · published Aug 29, 2012, effective Oct 3, 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 equipped with Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 800 engines. This AD was prompted by reports of events related to thermal damage of the thrust reverser (T/ R) inner wall on Rolls-Royce RB211 Trent 800 engines. This AD requires replacing the bleed valve parts and tubing with new parts and tubing on the left and right engines; and installing Aero-Engine database (AEDB) software in the airplane information management system (AIMS) hardware. We are issuing this AD to prevent T/R thermal damage caused by excessive heat downstream of the 8th stage IP8 exhaust ports, which could result in T/R structural failure. This failure could result in large pieces of the T/R or adjacent components departing the airplane. A separated T/R piece could result in a rejected takeoff and cause asymmetric thrust and consequent loss of control of the airplane during reverse thrust operations. Separated components could also cause structural damage to the airplane, damage to other airplanes due to debris left on the runway, or injury to people on the ground.
AD 2012-15-08 · published Aug 17, 2012, effective Sep 21, 2012
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76A helicopters to require modifying the electric rotor brake (ERB) and inserting changes into the "Normal Procedures" and "Emergency Procedures" sections of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM). This AD was prompted by a fire in the main gearbox area as a result of a hot electric rotor brake (ERB). The actions are intended to prevent overheating of the ERB, ignition of the ERB hydraulic fluid, a fire in the main gearbox area, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-16-02 · published Aug 22, 2012, effective Sep 26, 2012
Eurocopter France Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France Model EC155B and EC155B1 helicopters with a VIP 4- seat bench to require revising the Limitations section of the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) and converting the VIP 4-seat bench into a 3-seat configuration. This AD was prompted by the determination that the load strength of the seat attachment hardware of the seat installation does not meet certification specifications. The required actions are intended to prevent overloading of the seat structure at the attachment point during a hard landing or emergency landing, which could result in the VIP 4-seat bench detaching from the floor and subsequent injury to the seat occupants.
AD 2012-16-01 · published Aug 24, 2012, effective Sep 28, 2012
Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney Division PW4052, PW4152, PW4056, PW4156A, PW4060, PW4060A, PW4060C, PW4062, PW4062A, PW4158, PW4460, PW4462, PW4164, PW4164C, PW4164C/B, PW4168, and PW4168A turbofan engines with certain high- pressure turbine (HPT) stage 1 front hubs installed. This AD was prompted by Pratt & Whitney's updated low-cycle-fatigue analysis that indicated certain HPT stage 1 front hubs could initiate a crack prior to the published life limit. This AD requires removing the affected HPT stage 1 front hubs from service using a drawdown plan. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT stage 1 front hub, which could lead to an uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-16-13 · published Aug 24, 2012, effective Sep 10, 2012
BRP-Powertrain GmbH & Co KG Rotax Reciprocating Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for BRP- Powertrain GmbH & Co KG Rotax 912 F2; 912 F3; 912 F4; 912 S2; 912 S3; and 912 S4 reciprocating engines. This AD requires replacing the pressure side fuel hose on certain fuel pumps and inspecting the carburetors connected to those fuel pumps for contamination within 5 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. This AD was prompted by reports of fuel pumps having pressure side fuel hoses not meeting the design specification. We are issuing this AD to prevent pressure side fuel hose deterioration and contamination of the carburetor, which could result in an in-flight engine shutdown, forced landing and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-16-14 · published Aug 27, 2012, effective Oct 1, 2012
Honeywell International Inc. Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Honeywell International Inc. TFE731-20R, -20AR, -20BR, -40, -40AR, - 40R, -50R, and -60 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a quality escape of about 8,000 2nd stage low-pressure turbine (LPT2) rotor blades, manufactured by Honeywell Chihuahua Manufacturing Operation since 2009. This AD requires removing and inspecting certain LPT2 rotor blades. We are issuing this AD to correct an unsafe condition caused by these blades installed on these engines.
AD 2012-17-05 · published Aug 28, 2012, effective Oct 2, 2012
Honeywell International Inc. Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Honeywell International Inc. models TFE731-4, -4R, -5, -5R, -5AR, and - 5BR series turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a report of a rim/ web separation of a first stage low-pressure turbine (LPT1) rotor assembly. This AD requires replacing affected LPT1 rotor assemblies with assemblies eligible for installation. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained disk separation, engine failure, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-17-01 · published Aug 29, 2012, effective Sep 13, 2012
Goodyear Aviation Tires
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Goodyear Aviation Tires, part number 299K63-1 (Brazilian made new tires only), installed on various transport category airplanes, including but not limited to Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 airplanes. 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 tire tread separations and tread-area bulges on the main landing gear tires due to low adhesion in the tread shoulder area. The unsafe condition is specific to Brazilian produced new tires, size H29x9.0-15, only; retread tires are not affected by this AD. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could cause the main landing gear tires to fail during takeoff or landing. The failure may cause damage to the airplane structure, flaps, engine, and wheel well and result in reduced controllability of the airplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-15-07 · published Aug 7, 2012, effective Sep 11, 2012
Glasflugel Gliders
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Glasflugel Models Standard Libelle-201B, Club Libelle 205, Mosquito, and Kestrel gliders. 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 corrosion damage to the elevator control rod that could lead to failure of the elevator control rod, possibly resulting in loss of control of the glider. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-16-03 · published Aug 8, 2012, effective Sep 12, 2012
HPH s. r.o. Sailplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all HPH s. r.o. Models 304C, 304CZ, and 304CZ-17 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 the lack of a drain hole in the elevator control rod, which may allow water to accumulate in the control rod and lead to possible corrosion. This condition could cause the elevator control rod to fail, which could result in loss of control of the sailplane. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.