36 Airworthiness Directives: 30 airplane, 4 rotorcraft, 1 engine, 1 appliance.
AD 2012-19-03 · published Oct 1, 2012, effective Nov 5, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, DC-10-15, DC- 10-30, DC-10-30F (KC-10A and KDC-10), DC-10-40, DC-10-40F, MD-10-10F, and MD-10-30F airplanes. That AD currently requires installing or replacing with improved parts, as applicable, the bonding straps between the metallic frame of the fillet and the wing leading edge ribs, on both the left and right sides of the airplane; and for certain airplanes, repositioning or replacing two bonding straps, doing a bonding-resistance check and an inspection to determine correct installation of certain bonding straps, and applicable corrective actions. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability and, depending on the airplane configuration, requires installing new braided bonding straps, inspecting to determine if a certain strap is installed and replacing with or installing a braided bonding strap if necessary, measuring the electrical resistance of the bonding straps, verifying that brackets have an acceptable fillet seal, and doing corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer, and our determination that additional actions are necessary to address the identified unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks in the event of a severe lightning strike, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2012-19-04 · published Oct 1, 2012, effective Nov 5, 2012
Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes
We are superseding two existing airworthiness directives (ADs) for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0100 airplanes. The first existing AD currently requires removing the actuator from the fuel-balance transfer-valve (FBTV) and installing a locking device on the FBTV. The second existing AD currently requires inspecting to verify that the position indicator of the FBTV is in the closed position and deactivating the fuel-balance transfer-system. This new AD requires installing an FBTV locking device. This AD was prompted by reports that the FBTV was inadvertently reactivated after required de- activation measures were undone. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel starvation and a consequent double-engine flameout, possibly resulting in a forced landing, damage to the airplane, and injury to occupants.
AD 2012-19-07 · published Oct 1, 2012, effective Oct 16, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A340-500 and -600 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for corrosion of the drag stay lower arm assembly of the nose landing gear (NLG), and replacement if necessary. This AD also requires eventual replacement of the drag stay lower arm assembly of the NLG with an improved assembly having corrosion protection, which terminates the repetitive inspections required by this AD. This AD was prompted by findings of corrosion traces in the lugs and on the bearing outer surface of the NLG during routine maintenance checks. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the drag stay lower arm, which could result in NLG collapse and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane during takeoff.
AD 2012-19-10 · published Oct 3, 2012, effective Nov 7, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain of The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by heat damage and cracks at the pivot joint location of the main landing gear (MLG) inner cylinder/truck beam. This AD requires repetitive lubrication of the MLG pivot joints; repetitive detailed inspections of the outer diameter chrome on the center axles of the MLG for chicken- wire cracks, corrosion, and chrome plate distress; repetitive magnetic particle inspections of the outer diameter chrome on the center axles of the MLG for cracks; and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the MLG center axle and shock strut inner cylinder lugs (pivot joint), which could result in fracture of the MLG pivot joint components and consequent collapse of the MLG.
AD 2012-19-11 · published Oct 3, 2012, effective Nov 7, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a flightcrew not receiving an aural warning during a lack of cabin pressurization event. This AD requires incorporating design changes to improve the reliability of the cabin altitude warning system by installing a redundant cabin altitude pressure switch, replacing the aural warning module (AWM) with a new or reworked AWM, and changing certain wire bundles or connecting certain previously capped and stowed wires as necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires prior or concurrent incorporation of related design changes by modifying the instrument panels, installing light assemblies, modifying the wire bundles, and installing a new circuit breaker, as necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent the loss of cabin altitude warning, which could delay flightcrew recognition of a lack of cabin pressurization, and could result in incapacitation of the flightcrew due to hypoxia (a lack of oxygen in the body), and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2012-20-01 · published Oct 5, 2012, effective Nov 9, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, and -200C series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a severed upper butt strap, and cracks in the forward skin and bonded doubler, on one airplane. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks and a chemical spot test in the area of station (STA) 908, and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. For certain airplanes, this AD requires an inspection and modification. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks at the adjacent mating skins (forward and aft), which could initiate just above stringers S-4R and S-4L; and could grow and result in a decompression event.
AD 2012-20-02 · published Oct 5, 2012, effective Nov 9, 2012
Alpha Aviation Concept 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 possible installation of non-conforming air filter elements that are not fitted with metallic mesh and could internally collapse resulting in disruption of the powerplant operation. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-20-03 · published Oct 5, 2012, effective Nov 9, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747 airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive visual inspections around the bushings of the wing landing gear (WLG) beam outboard end fittings for corrosion, and rework if necessary; and ultrasonic inspections for cracks of the outboard end fittings of the WLG support beams, and rework if necessary. This new AD adds airplanes and adds repetitive inspections of the outboard end fitting of the left and right WLG support beams for cracks and corrosion, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by new reports of corrosion damage to the end fittings of the WLG support beams, and one report of subsequent cracking in the end fittings. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion and subsequent cracking in the outboard end fittings, which could result in separation of the fitting and damage to adjacent flight control cables and hydraulic systems and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-20-04 · published Oct 10, 2012, effective Nov 14, 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 chafing between the wire harness along the wing leading edge and the inboard end rib of the wing leading edge due to insufficient clearance. This AD requires inspecting the wire harness along the leading edge for chafing damage, and repair if necessary; and relocating and installing new anchor nuts. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct chafing damage to the wire harness along the wing leading edge, which if not corrected, could lead to the loss of the airframe de-icing system, and could become a possible ignition source causing fire.
AD 2012-20-09 · published Oct 16, 2012, effective Nov 20, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. That AD currently requires a modification to trim the edge of the bumper plate, including performing an inspection for damage or cracks of the bumper plate and base fitting, and replacing any damaged or cracked part. That AD also currently requires, for certain airplanes, reidentifying the bumper plate. This new AD requires, for airplanes on which the reidentification is done, an operational check of the alternate extension system of the main landing gear (MLG), and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by the determination that an operational check must be done after reidentifying the bumper plate to ensure the identified unsafe condition is addressed. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the MLG to extend and lock, which could adversely affect the safe landing of the airplane.
AD 2012-20-06 · published Oct 17, 2012, effective Nov 21, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-200 and -200C series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of elevator vibration and bearing swage failures. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections for any discrepancies (such as a gap or a loose spacer) of the aft attach lugs for the elevator tab control mechanism, and replacement if necessary; and, for other airplanes, contacting the FAA for inspection or repair instructions and doing the work specified in those instructions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies in the aft attach lugs for the elevator tab control mechanism, which could result in elevator and tab vibration. Consequent structural failure of the elevator or horizontal stabilizer could result in loss of structural integrity and loss of airplane control.
AD 2012-20-07 · published Oct 17, 2012, effective Nov 21, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes; and all Model A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new limitations for fuel tank systems. This new AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate revised fuel maintenance and inspection tasks, and adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by Airbus issuing more restrictive maintenance requirements and/or airworthiness limitations. 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 a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2012-20-08 · published Oct 17, 2012, effective Nov 21, 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 alternating current (AC) generator failures in-service due to incomplete fusion in the weld joint of the rotor band assembly. This AD requires inspecting the AC generator to determine the part number, and replacing the AC generator if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent rotor windings from coming in contact with the generator housing, which could result in debris contaminating and potentially blocking the engine oil scavenge system, leading to loss of oil pressure and an in-flight shutdown of the engine.
AD 2012-21-02 · published Oct 23, 2012, effective Nov 27, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, -300F, and -400ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a design review following a ground fire incident and reports of flammable fluid leaks from the wing leading edge area onto the engine exhaust area. This AD requires modification of the fluid drain path in the leading edge area of the wing. We are issuing this AD to prevent flammable fluid from leaking onto the engine exhaust nozzle, which could result in a fire.
AD 2012-21-03 · published Oct 23, 2012, effective Nov 27, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747- 200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of two in-service occurrences on Model 737-400 airplanes of total loss of boost pump pressure of the fuel feed system, followed by loss of fuel system suction feed capability on one engine, and in-flight shutdown of the engine. This AD requires repetitive operational tests, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loss of the engine fuel suction feed capability of the fuel system, which, in the event of total loss of the fuel boost pumps, could result in dual engine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane.
AD 2012-21-04 · published Oct 23, 2012, effective Nov 27, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A300 series airplanes; Model A310 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). This AD was prompted by reports of cracked fuel pump canister hoods located in fuel tanks. This AD requires replacing any cracked hood halves of fuel pump canisters. We are issuing this AD to prevent any detached canister hood fragments/debris from being ingested into the fuel feed system, and becoming a potential source of ignition with consequent fire or explosion.
AD 2012-21-05 · published Oct 23, 2012, effective Nov 27, 2012
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model G58 airplanes. This AD was prompted by notification from Hawker Beechcraft Corporation that certain affected aircraft were produced with the incorrect gauge wiring installed. This AD requires replacement of the incorrect gauge wiring with the correct wiring required by type design and the aircraft's circuit protection. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-21-06 · published Oct 23, 2012, effective Nov 27, 2012
Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Hawker Beechcraft Corporation Model C90GTi (King Air) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of incorrect gauge wires used in certain wiring bundles for the cockpit electrical power for backlighting and instrument panel components. This AD requires replacing incorrect gauge wires in certain electrical power wiring bundles, inspecting associated wiring bundles and components for heat damage, and taking all necessary corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-21-08 · published Oct 23, 2012, effective Nov 27, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and - 900 series airplanes. That AD currently requires installing and testing an updated version of the operational program software (OPS) of the flight control computers (FCCs). This new AD requires an inspection for part numbers of the operational program software of the flight control computers, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of undetected erroneous output from a single radio altimeter channel, which resulted in premature autothrottle retard during approach. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct an unsafe condition associated with erroneous output from a radio altimeter channel, which could result in premature autothrottle landing flare retard and the loss of automatic speed control, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2012-21-10 · published Oct 30, 2012, effective Nov 14, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200LR and -300ER series airplanes. This AD requires reviewing the airplane's maintenance records for each rudder power control unit (PCU) to identify the condition of its related reaction link assembly, and replacing the rudder PCU and its related reaction link assembly if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report of an abnormal airframe vibration in the aft fuselage during flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent excessive freeplay in the rudder control surface, which could cause rudder vibration, and result in structural damage severe enough to prevent continued safe flight and landing.
AD 2012-21-11 · published Oct 30, 2012, effective Dec 4, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, and CL-604 Variants) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of deformation at the neck of the pressure regulator body on the oxygen cylinder and regulator assemblies (CRAs), and an electrical wiring harness in the area of the oxygen cylinder with no protective conduit sleeving. This AD requires inspecting to determine if certain oxygen pressure regulators are installed and replacing oxygen CRAs containing pressure regulators that do not meet the required material properties. This AD also requires inspecting for damaged wiring, and repairing or replacing wiring if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent rupture of the oxygen cylinder, which in the case of cabin depressurization, would lead to oxygen not being available when required; and to detect and correct unprotected wiring that could chafe against the oxygen system components or surrounding structure in the area, and lead to electrical arcing and an oxygen-fed fire.
AD 2012-21-12 · published Oct 30, 2012, effective Dec 4, 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 cases of on-ground failure of the screw cap or end cap of hydraulic accumulators on other airplane models, resulting in high-energy impact damage to adjacent systems and structure. This AD requires inspecting for a part number and replacing the affected parking brake hydraulic accumulator, and relocating the parking brake accumulator, on the subject airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the screw caps and/or end caps of the parking brake hydraulic accumulator, which could result in damage to the airplane's primary structures, with potential adverse effect on the airplane's controllability.
AD 2012-21-13 · published Oct 30, 2012, effective Dec 4, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9-83 (MD- 83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), and MD-88 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks found in Stringer 11 at the outboard flap, inboard drive hinge at Station Xrs=164.000. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks in Stringer 11, and a splice repair if necessary; and repetitive post-repair inspections, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in the wing structure not supporting the limit load condition, which could lead to loss of structural integrity of the wing.
AD 2012-21-14 · published Oct 31, 2012, effective Dec 5, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. That AD currently requires a one-time inspection of the shafts of the main landing gear (MLG) side-brace fittings to detect corrosion, and the forward and aft bushings in the left-hand and right- hand MLG side-brace fittings to detect discrepancies. The existing AD also requires corrective and related actions if necessary. This new AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for corrosion and damage of the MLG side-brace fitting, and replacing the side-brace fitting shaft with the re-designed side-brace fitting shaft of the MLG if necessary. This AD also requires eventual replacement of certain side-brace fitting shafts with the re-designed part. Replacement with a re- designed side-brace fitting shaft of the MLG is terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD was prompted by reports of failure of the side-brace fitting shaft of the main landing gear (MLG) due to corrosion. We are issuing this AD to prevent fractures of the side- brace fitting shafts of the MLG, and possible collapse of the MLG.
AD 2012-21-16 · published Oct 31, 2012, effective Dec 5, 2012
BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain BAE SYSTEMS (OPERATIONS) LIMITED Model BAe 146 series airplanes and Model Avro 146-RJ series airplanes. This AD was prompted by hydraulic pipe ruptures in the center of the cabin resulting in passengers being contaminated with hydraulic fluid. This AD requires installing a hydraulic fluid containment system. We are issuing this AD to prevent harmful or hazardous concentrations of hydraulic fluid or hydraulic vapor from entering the passenger compartment, possibly resulting in injury to the passengers.
AD 2012-21-17 · published Oct 31, 2012, effective Dec 5, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A320-214 and -232 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that medium-head fasteners were installed in lieu of shear-head fasteners on a certain upper panel, which manufacturer fatigue and damage tolerance analyses demonstrated could have an effect on panel fatigue life. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of certain fasteners, and repairs if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2012-21-18 · published Oct 31, 2012, effective Dec 5, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracks found in Stringer 11 at the outboard flap, inboard drive hinge at Station Xrs=164.000. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks in Stringer 11, and a splice repair if necessary; and repetitive post-repair inspections, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in the wing structure not supporting the limit load condition, which could lead to loss of the structural integrity of the wing.
AD 2012-21-19 · published Oct 31, 2012, effective Dec 5, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all 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 reports of ram air turbine (RAT) pump failure. This AD requires inspecting the RAT pump anti-stall valve for correct setting, re-identifying the RAT pump, performing a functional ground test of the RAT, and replacing the RAT pump or the RAT assembly with a serviceable part if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct malfunction of the RAT pump, which could lead to in-flight loss of the RAT-pump pressurization, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.
AD 2012-21-20 · published Oct 31, 2012, effective Dec 5, 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, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of the ram air turbine (RAT) not deploying when tested. This AD requires identification of the supplier, part number, and serial number of the installed RAT actuator, and re-identification of the actuator and RAT, or replacement of the RAT actuator with a serviceable unit and re-identification of the RAT, if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent non-deployment of the RAT, which if occurred following a total engine flame-out, or during a total loss of normal electrical power generation, could result in reduced control of the airplane.
AD 2012-22-04 · published Oct 31, 2012, effective Dec 5, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model MD-90-30 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks of the wing rear spar lower cap at the outboard flap, inboard drive hinge at station Xrs=164.000. This AD requires repetitive eddy current high frequency (ETHF) inspections for cracking on the aft side of the left and right wing rear spar lower caps at station Xrs=164.000, further ETHF inspections if cracks are found, and repair if necessary; and repetitive post-repair inspections, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the left and right rear spar lower caps, which could result in fuel leaks and damage to the wing skin or other structure, and consequent loss of the structural integrity of the wing.
AD 2012-21-01 · published Oct 23, 2012, effective Nov 27, 2012
MD Helicopters, Inc.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) to supersede an existing airworthiness directive for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), Model MD900 helicopters. The existing AD requires a visual inspection, and if necessary, an eddy current inspection of the main rotor lower hub assembly (lower hub) for a crack. If a crack exists, the AD requires replacing the lower hub with an airworthy lower hub before further flight. Because that AD was immediately effective, we declined to require certain long-term actions prior to public comment. This superseding AD will require the same inspections as the existing AD but will also require long-term recurring inspections and replacing the lower hub with an airworthy lower hub. We are issuing this AD to detect a crack in the lower hub and prevent failure of the lower hub and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-21-07 · published Oct 23, 2012, effective Nov 27, 2012
Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109S helicopters to require modifying the electrical power distribution system to carry a higher electrical load. This AD was prompted by an electrical failure on an Agusta Model A109E helicopter that resulted from ``inadequate functioning of the 35 amperes (amps) BATT BUS circuit breaker.'' The actions of this AD are intended to require modifying the electrical power distribution system to prevent failure of the circuit breaker, loss of electrical power to instruments powered by the ``BATT BUS'' system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-21-09 · published Oct 23, 2012, effective Nov 7, 2012
Eurocopter France Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC225 helicopters with certain epicyclic modules installed. This AD requires inspecting the epicyclic module for the presence of a through-hole upstream of the magnetic plug. This AD is prompted by a report of a missing through-hole between the integrated collector and the magnetic plug, which would prevent the flow of chips from the integrated collector to the magnetic plug. This could result in the chip-detector system failing to detect deterioration of the main rotor mast lift bearing (lift bearing). These actions are intended to detect a missing through-hole and prevent lift bearing failure and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-14-09 · published Oct 3, 2012, effective Nov 7, 2012
Pratt & Whitney (P&W) Division Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain P&W PW4000 series turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by reports of 3rd and 4th stage vane fractures in the low-pressure turbine (LPT) of certain PW4000-94" and PW4000-100" turbofan engines. This AD requires dimensional inspections of LPT 3rd stage vanes and the rear turbine case, inspection of LPT 4th stage vanes at the next LPT overhaul and removal of vanes with non-conforming airfoil fillet radii and vanes with more than one strip and recoat repair. This AD also requires disassembly and reassembly of the 2nd stage high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor and 3rd stage LPT rotor at the next HPT and LPT overhauls. We are issuing this AD to prevent 3rd and 4th stage vane fractures in the LPT, damage to the LPT rotor, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2000-07-11 R1 · published Oct 17, 2012, effective Nov 21, 2012
Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A.
We are rescinding an airworthiness directive (AD) for all Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A Model P-180 airplanes. That AD was prompted by mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for Italy. We issued that AD to prevent the brake hydraulic fluid from leaking because of the brake assembly rods contacting the brake valve tubing, which could result in the inability to adequately stop the airplane during ground operations. Since we issued that AD, we have determined this is no longer an unsafe condition and that regularly scheduled annual inspections address this subject.
