30 Airworthiness Directives: 19 airplane, 8 rotorcraft, 2 engine, 1 appliance.
AD 2012-21-15 · published Nov 9, 2012, effective Dec 14, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus 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); and Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by events of excessive rudder pedal inputs and consequent high loads on the vertical stabilizer on several airplanes. This AD requires either incorporating a design change to the rudder control system and/ or other systems, or installing a stop rudder inputs warning (SRIW) modification. We are issuing this AD to prevent loads on the vertical stabilizer that exceed ultimate design loads, which could cause failure of the vertical stabilizer and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-22-07 · published Nov 9, 2012, effective Dec 14, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of an in-service incident where the propeller de- icing system became unavailable due to burnt/chafed wires within the alternating current contactor box (ACCB). This AD requires inspection for chafing, damage, and loose wiring within an ACCB and repair if necessary; and requires rework and re-identification of the wiring installation within each ACCB. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged, chafed, or loose wiring within an ACCB, which could affect the operation of the windshield heater, ice detector, angle of attack (AOA) vane heater, pilot probe heater, engine intake heater, or propeller de-icing system, and subsequently adversely affect the airplane's flight characteristics in icing conditions.
AD 2012-22-10 · published Nov 9, 2012, effective Dec 14, 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, Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes, and Model CL- 600-2E25 (Regional Jet Series 1000) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that certain wing-to-fuselage attachment nuts do not conform to the certification design requirements for dual locking features. This AD requires repetitive inspections to determine that cotter pins are installed at affected wing-to-fuselage attachment joints and replacement if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of wing-to-fuselage attachment joints, which could result in the loss of the wing.
AD 2012-22-12 · published Nov 9, 2012, effective Dec 14, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-243, -243F, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of air intake cowls on Rolls-Royce Trent engines, worn and detached attachment links, and fractured thermal anti-ice (TAI) piccolo tubes. This AD requires inspecting piccolo tubes, piccolo tube mount links, the aft side of the forward bulkhead, and outer boundary angles (OBA) for cracks, fractures, and broken links, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent degraded structural integrity of the engine nose cowl in case of forward bulkhead damage in conjunction with a broken piccolo tube, and damage to the engine due to operation in icing conditions with reduced TAI performance.
AD 2011-21-07 R1 · published Nov 13, 2012, effective Dec 18, 2012
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes; all Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700, 701, & 702) airplanes; all Model CL-600-2D15 (Regional Jet Series 705) airplanes; and all Model CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) airplanes. That AD currently requires replacing certain water accumulator assemblies having a certain part installed on the pitot and static lines of the air data computer (ADC). This new AD corrects an erroneous service document number and removes the other erroneously cited service document from that AD. This new AD was prompted by an error that was discovered in one service document number, and a determination that credit for accomplishing actions in another erroneously cited service document should be removed from that AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent pitot-static tubing from becoming partially or completely blocked by water, which could result in erroneous airspeed and altitude indications and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2003-17-03 R1 · published Nov 14, 2012, effective Nov 14, 2012
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Airplanes
We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piaggio Aero Industries S.p.A. Model P-180 airplanes. That AD currently requires replacement of any firewall shutoff or crossfeed valve with a serial number in a certain range even if it has been previously modified. The way the applicability was written includes valves that should not be affected and are not included in the referenced service information. This AD requires the same actions as the current AD, but only affects those firewall shutoff valves referenced in the referenced service information. We are issuing this AD to clarify the affected parts required to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-22-05 · published Nov 15, 2012, effective Dec 20, 2012
Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. That AD currently requires performing a detailed visual inspection for cracks of the pistons on the main landing gear (MLG), and replacing the affected pistons if necessary. This new AD also requires modifying the MLG by installing a piston containing a certain part number, and revising the airplane maintenance program. This AD was prompted by a new modification developed to safeguard the integrity of the MLG assembly and improve surface protection of the affected area of the MLG piston. We are issuing this AD to prevent MLG failure, possibly resulting in loss of control of the airplane during the landing roll- out.
AD 2012-22-08 · published Nov 15, 2012, effective Dec 20, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-600 and A300 B4-600R, Model A300, and Model A310 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fatigue cracking in the crossbeams at the junction of the actuator beam of the lower deck cargo door. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the crossbeams of certain fuselage frames, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the crossbeams at the junction of the actuator beam of the lower deck cargo door, which could result in failure to withstand ultimate load conditions, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2012-22-15 · published Nov 15, 2012, effective Dec 20, 2012
Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the instructions for continued airworthiness for certain airplanes, and the FAA-approved maintenance program for certain other airplanes, to incorporate new limitations. This new AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate the limitations, tasks, thresholds, and intervals specified in certain revised Fokker maintenance review board (MRB) documents. This AD was prompted by a revised Fokker 70/100 MRB document with revised limitations, tasks, thresholds, and intervals. We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential of structural failures or 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 2012-22-02 · published Nov 21, 2012, effective Dec 26, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of crown frame web cracking at left buttock line (LBL) 15.0, station (STA) 320. This AD requires measuring the web at STA 320 and, depending on findings, various inspections for cracks and missing fasteners, web and fastener replacement, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent complete fracture of the crown frame assembly, and consequent damage to the skin and in-flight decompression of the airplane.
AD 2012-22-17 · published Nov 21, 2012, effective Dec 26, 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 cracks in the inner chords at both left-side and right-side stations 859.5, 883.5, and 903.5. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the frame inner chord transition radius for cracks, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent large cracks in the frames and adjacent structure that can adversely affect the structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2012-23-01 · published Nov 21, 2012, effective Dec 26, 2012
Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Model 402C airplanes modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SA927NW and Model 414A airplanes modified by STC SA892NW. This AD was prompted by report of a Cessna Model 414A airplane modified by STC SA892NW that experienced an asymmetrical flap condition causing an uncommanded roll when the pilot set the flaps to the approach position. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the flap system, which could result in an asymmetrical flap condition. This condition could result in loss of control.
AD 2012-23-04 · published Nov 21, 2012, effective Dec 26, 2012
The Boeing Company Model Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100 and -200 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires various inspections for cracks in the outboard chord of the frame at body station (BS) 727 and in the outboard chord of stringer (S) 18A, and repair or replacement of cracked parts. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability statement in the existing AD and adds inspections for cracks in the BS 727 frame outboard chords and the radius of the auxiliary chord, for certain airplanes. This new AD also removes the inspections of the outboard chord of S-18A required by the existing AD. This AD was prompted by several reports of fatigue cracking in the frame outboard chord at BS 727 and in the radius of the auxiliary chord on airplanes that were not affected by the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the outboard and auxiliary chords, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the outboard chord and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane.
AD 2012-22-01 · published Nov 23, 2012, effective Dec 28, 2012
Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company Models 172R and 172S airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of chafed fuel return line assemblies, which were caused by the fuel return line assembly rubbing against the right steering tube assembly during full rudder pedal actuation. This AD requires you to inspect the fuel return line assembly for chafing; replace the fuel return line assembly if chafing is found; inspect the clearance between the fuel return line assembly and both the right steering tube assembly and the airplane structure; and adjust as necessary. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-22-03 · published Nov 26, 2012, effective Dec 31, 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, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in the main entry door number 1 upper main sill outer chord, along the bend radius of the chord on several airplanes. This AD requires a general visual inspection to identify any existing structural repair manual (SRM) repairs of the upper main sill outer chord of the left and right side main entry door number 1, repetitive detailed inspections for cracks in the upper main sill of the door(s); and related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD also requires repetitive inspections for airplanes on which a certain repair is done, and corrective actions if necessary, and reduces certain compliance times. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the main entry door number 1 upper main sill outer chord, along the bend radius of the chord, which could result in loss of structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2012-22-18 · published Nov 26, 2012, effective Dec 31, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-243, -243F, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 700 engines. This AD was prompted by reports of extensive damage to engine air intake cowls as a result of acoustic panel collapse. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the three inner acoustic panels of both engine air intake cowls to detect disbonding, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct disbonding, which could result in detachment of the engine air intake cowl from the engine leading to ingestion of parts, which could cause failure of the engine, and possible injury to persons on the ground.
AD 2012-23-06 · published Nov 26, 2012, effective Dec 31, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of failure of wire support clamps in the forward section of the aft pressure bulkhead. This AD requires a detailed inspection of the clamps on the power feeder cable of the auxiliary power unit (APU) to determine if certain clamps are installed, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the clamp, which could result in wire chafing and potential arcing and consequent fire in section 48 (a flammable fluid leakage zone) or heat damage to the APU power feeder cable, insulation blankets, or pressure bulkhead.
AD 2012-23-08 · published Nov 26, 2012, effective Dec 31, 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 replacing the drain tube assemblies and support clamps on the aft fairing of the engine struts. This new AD requires replacing the drain tube assembly of the left and right engine strut aft fairings with a new one, which includes an integral support clamp made of nickel alloy 625. This AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by a report of a broken drain tube assembly on the left engine strut at the clamp support location under the aft fairing compartment, inside the heat shield cavity of the aft fairing. There have also been reports of tube wear at this clamp location on additional airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the drain tube assemblies and clamps on the aft fairings of the engine struts. Such failure could allow leaked flammable fluids in the drain systems to discharge onto the heat shields of the aft fairings of the engine struts, which could result in an undetected and uncontrollable fire.
AD 2012-23-10 · published Nov 26, 2012, effective Dec 31, 2012
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of the escape slide of the raft inflation system not deploying when activated due to the rotation of the cable guide in a direction which resulted in jamming of the inflation control cable. This AD requires modifying the affected slide rafts. We are issuing this AD to prevent non-deployment of the inflation system of the escape slide raft, which could result in delayed evacuation from the airplane during an emergency, and consequent injury to the passengers.
AD 2012-22-09 · published Nov 15, 2012, effective Dec 20, 2012
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the tail rotor (T/R) pylon for a loose or missing fastener, a crack, damage, or corrosion and adding an internal doubler to the aft shear deck tunnel assembly. This AD was prompted by the discovery of cracks in T/R pylons. The actions are intended to detect a loose or missing fastener, a crack, damage, or corrosion on the T/R pylon and, if present, to repair the T/R pylon and install a doubler on the aft shear deck tunnel assembly or to replace the T/R pylon and install a doubler on the aft shear deck tunnel assembly. The actions are intended to prevent failure of the T/R pylon or other T/R components, which could lead to the loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-22-11 · published Nov 15, 2012, effective Dec 20, 2012
Bell Helicopter Textron Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron (BHT) Model 412, 412EP, and 412CF helicopters. This AD requires a repetitive inspection of the collective lever for a crack, and if there is a crack, before further flight, replacing the collective lever with an airworthy collective lever. This AD was prompted by a reported failure of a collective lever. The actions are intended to detect a crack in the collective lever, which could lead to failure of the collective lever and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-22-13 · published Nov 15, 2012, effective Dec 20, 2012
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76C helicopters. This AD requires installing an improved throttle stop and a wider trigger on the engine control levers (ECL). This AD was prompted by a bird-strike to the windshield that resulted in unintended movement of the engine control levers from the forward position and towards the flight-idle position, which reduced power on both engines. These actions are intended to prevent unintended movement of the ECLs, resulting in main rotor speed decay and subsequent loss of control of the aircraft.
AD 2012-22-14 · published Nov 15, 2012, effective Nov 30, 2012
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
We are superseding an existing Emergency airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-70, S-70A, S-70C, S-70C(M), and S-70C(M1) helicopters with a certain part- numbered intermediate gearbox (IGB). The existing Emergency AD requires a one-time inspection of the internal oil passages of the IGB for an obstruction. That Emergency AD was prompted by an accident that resulted from blockage of oil in the IGB by a plug that was inadvertently left in the IGB during the coating of the IGB housing. We are issuing this supersedure to that Emergency AD to include two additional part numbers of affected IGBs and identify a specific date since new or overhaul of the affected IGBs. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect a plug in the IGB and prevent overheating and seizing of the IGB, failure of the tail rotor drive output shaft, loss of tail rotor drive, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-10-53 · published Nov 20, 2012, effective Dec 5, 2012
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model EC135 P1, EC135 P2, EC135 P2+, EC135 T1, EC135 T2, and EC135 T2+ helicopters. This is the Federal Register publication of an Emergency AD (EAD) that was previously sent to all known owners and operators of these helicopters. That EAD superseded an earlier related EAD. This AD requires, before further flight and at specified intervals, checking and inspecting the upper and lower main rotor hub (MRH) shaft flanges for a crack, and inspecting the lower hub-shaft flange bolt attachment areas for a crack. This AD is prompted by three reported incidents of cracking on the lower hub-shaft flanges of EC135 model helicopters. These actions are intended to detect a crack on the hub-shaft flange, which if not corrected could result in failure of the MRH and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-23-05 · published Nov 20, 2012, effective Dec 26, 2012
Eurocopter Deutschland Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters with certain Generator Control Units (GCU) installed. This AD requires replacing the GCUs. This AD was prompted by reports of internal short circuits in certain GCUs. These actions are intended to prevent a short circuit, which could result in a loss of electrical generating power, loss of systems required for continued safe flight and landing, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-23-03 · published Nov 26, 2012, effective Dec 31, 2012
Eurocopter France Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA.315B Alouette III, SE.3160 Alouette III, SA.316B Alouette III, SA.316C Alouette III, SA.319B Alouette III, SA 3180-ALOUETTE ASTAZOU, SA 318B-ALOUETTE ASTAZOU, and SA 318 C-ALOUETTE ASTAZOU helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the cage of the free-wheel assembly for the correct alignment of the roller drive pocket recesses and replacing the free-wheel cage with an airworthy free-wheel cage if a defect exists. This AD was prompted by incorrect positioning of the roller drive pocket recesses on the tail rotor drive shaft free-wheel cage, which caused a pilot to experience a heavy jerk in the yaw control during in-flight autorotation training. The requirements of this AD are intended to prevent a loss of tail rotor drive and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-23-13 · published Nov 29, 2012, effective Dec 14, 2012
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Sikorsky Model S-70, S-70A, and S-70C helicopters, which are restricted category helicopters derived from the military Model UH-60 helicopter. This AD would require reducing or establishing life limits for certain listed helicopter parts. This AD is prompted by a review of the United States Army's analysis of their Model UH-60 fleet, which determined it necessary to establish or reduce the life limits of certain parts. The actions are intended to prevent fatigue failure of a part and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-22-16 · published Nov 14, 2012, effective Dec 19, 2012
Pratt & Whitney Division Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney Division PW4050, PW4052, PW4056, PW4060, PW4060A, PW4060C, PW4062, PW4062A, PW4152, PW4156, PW4156A, PW4158, PW4160, PW4460, PW4462, and PW4650 turbofan engines, including models with any dash number suffix. This AD was prompted by 16 reports of damaged or failed 3rd stage low-pressure turbine (LPT) duct segments. This AD requires removing from service certain part numbers (P/Ns) of 3rd stage LPT duct segments. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the 3rd stage LPT duct segments, which could lead to LPT rotor damage, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-24-01 · published Nov 29, 2012, effective Dec 14, 2012
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain serial number (S/N) Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) TAY 620- 15 turbofan engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive general inspections and ultrasonic inspections (UI) of low-pressure compressor (LPC) fan blades for cracks. If any fan blade is found cracked, this AD requires replacement of the LPC fan blade set and the LPC fan disc. This AD was prompted by a report of an LPC fan blade separation. We are issuing this AD to detect cracks in the LPC fan blades, which could lead to uncontained failure of the LPC fan blades and LPC fan disc, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-22-06 · published Nov 9, 2012, effective Dec 14, 2012
Aeronautical Accessories, Inc., High Landing Gear Forward Crosstube Assembly
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Aeronautical Accessories, Inc. (AAI) high landing gear forward crosstube assemblies (crosstubes) installed on Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB412 and AB412EP; and Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) Model 205A, 205A-1, 205B, 212, 412, 412CF, and 412EP helicopters during production or based on a supplemental type certificate (STC). This AD requires counting and recording the total number of landings for the crosstubes, and inspecting the crosstubes and replacing them if a crack or other damage exists. This AD was prompted by two reports from the field of failed crosstubes. The actions are intended to prevent failure of a crosstube, collapse of the landing gear, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
