26 Airworthiness Directives: 16 airplane, 4 rotorcraft, 5 engine, 1 glider.
AD 2012-23-14 · published Dec 3, 2012, effective Jan 7, 2013
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack found in the fuselage skin under the aft drain mast. This AD requires a detailed inspection for cracking and corrosion of the channel and fillers adjacent to the drain mast bolts, an inspection to determine the location of the bonding strap, a measurement of the washers under the drain mast bolts, and related investigative actions and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the fuselage skin and internal support structure, which could result in uncontrolled decompression of the airplane.
AD 2012-24-04 · published Dec 3, 2012, effective Jan 7, 2013
GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for GA 8 Airvan (Pty) Ltd Models GA8 and GA8-TC320 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 burnt electrical connectors leading to the left-hand wingtip pitot heater, which may result in loss of airspeed indication. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-24-07 · published Dec 5, 2012, effective Dec 5, 2012
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This AD requires ensuring that lockwire is installed correctly on the engine fuel feed manifold couplings. This AD also requires inspecting the assembly of the engine fuel feed manifold rigid and full flexible couplings. This AD was prompted by reports of fuel leaks due to improperly assembled engine fuel feed manifold couplings. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improperly assembled couplings, which could result in fuel leaks and consequent fuel exhaustion, engine power loss or shutdown, or leaks on hot engine parts that could lead to a fire.
AD 2012-23-09 · published Dec 10, 2012, effective Jan 14, 2013
Embraer S.A. Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190-100 STD, -100 LR, -100 IGW, -200 STD, -200 LR, and -200 IGW airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate modifications in the Airworthiness Limitation Section (ALS) of the EMBRAER ERJ 190 Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR). This new AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate modifications in the ALS of the EMBRAER ERJ 190 MRBR to include new inspection tasks and their respective thresholds and intervals. This AD was prompted by issuance of new inspection tasks and their respective thresholds and intervals. We are issuing this AD since failure to inspect these structural components according to the new ALS tasks, thresholds, and intervals could prevent a timely detection of fatigue cracking, which if not properly addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2012-24-06 · published Dec 10, 2012, effective Jan 14, 2013
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model 340A (SAAB/SF340A) and SAAB 340B airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of stall events during icing conditions where the natural stall warning (buffet) was not identified. This AD requires replacing the stall warning computer (SWC) with a new SWC, which provides an artificial stall warning in icing conditions, and modifying the airplane for the replacement of the SWC. We are issuing this AD to prevent natural stall events when operating in icing conditions, which, if not corrected, could result in loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2012-24-08 · published Dec 10, 2012, effective Jan 14, 2013
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of flight crew failure to activate air data probe heat. This AD requires modifying the anti-icing system for the angle of attack sensor, the total air temperature, and the pitot probes. We are issuing this AD to prevent ice from forming on air data system sensors and consequent loss of or misleading airspeed indication on all airspeed indicating systems, which could lead to loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2012-24-10 · published Dec 12, 2012, effective Jan 16, 2013
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-400 and -400F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of integrated display unit (IDU) malfunctions and mode control panel (MCP) malfunctions. This AD requires installing new software, replacing the duct assembly with a new duct assembly, making wiring changes, and routing certain wire bundles. We are issuing this AD to prevent IDU malfunctions, which could affect the ability of the flightcrew to read primary displays for airplane attitude, altitude, or airspeed, and consequently reduce the ability of the flightcrew to maintain control of the airplane.
AD 2012-25-02 · published Dec 12, 2012, effective Jan 16, 2013
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 revising the airworthiness limitations section (AWL) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) of the Canadair Regional Jet Maintenance Requirements Manual (MRM) by incorporating new procedures for repetitive detailed and special detailed inspections for cracking of the aft pressure bulkhead. This new AD requires revising the maintenance program to incorporate a revised task specified in a certain temporary revision, which requires an improved non-destructive inspection procedure; and adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of cracks on the forward face of the rear pressure bulkhead (RPB) web. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the RPB, which could result in reduced structural integrity and rapid decompression of the airplane.
AD 2012-25-03 · published Dec 12, 2012, effective Jan 16, 2013
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of in-flight fracture of the right windshield (window 1) on the flight deck and multiple reports of electrical arcs at the terminal blocks of the flight deck windshields resulting in smoke and fire. This AD requires repetitive inspections of electrical heat terminals on the left and right windshields for damage, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD allows replacing an affected windshield with a windshield equipped with different electrical connections, which would terminate the repetitive inspections for that windshield. We are issuing this AD to prevent smoke and fire in the flight deck, which can lead to loss of visibility, and injuries to or incapacitation of the flightcrew.
AD 2012-25-07 · published Dec 17, 2012, effective Dec 17, 2012
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GIV-X airplanes. This AD requires performing a modified system power-on self test (SPOST) of the flap/stabilizer electronic control unit (FSECU), and revising the airplane flight manual to incorporate these test procedures into the daily preflight check. This AD was prompted by reports indicating that the FSECU does not detect failures of the brake feature within the horizontal stabilizer electric motor unit (HSEMU), or failures of drive solenoids for hydraulic valves within the flap hydraulic control module (FHCM) during the SPOST. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such failures, which could result in runaway horizontal stabilizer pitch trim system and consequent loss of pitch control.
AD 2012-25-06 · published Dec 26, 2012, effective Jan 30, 2013
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; and Model A300 B4-601, B4-603, B4-620, B4-622, B4-605R, and B4-622R airplanes. That AD currently requires performing a one-time detailed visual inspection of the forward fitting at frame (FR) 40 on both sides of the airplane for cracks, and repair if necessary. This new AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the forward fitting at FR 40 without nut removal, and a one-time eddy current or liquid penetrant inspection of the forward fitting at FR 40 with nut removal, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports that new cracks were found in the FR 40 forward fitting. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the FR 40 forward fitting, which could result in a deterioration of the structural integrity of the frame.
AD 2012-25-11 · published Dec 26, 2012, effective Jan 10, 2013
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. That AD also requires additional inspections for airplanes having repairs or preventative modifications installed and inspections for certain other airplanes. This AD requires the previous actions with additional airplane group configurations added to paragraph (n) of this AD. This AD was prompted by a determination that certain airplane group configurations in paragraph (n) of the existing AD were inadvertently removed in the final rule. 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 2012-25-12 · published Dec 26, 2012, effective Jan 30, 2013
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a prematurely fractured main landing gear (MLG) bogie beam. This AD requires replacing certain MLG bogie beams before reaching new reduced life limits. We are issuing this AD to prevent fracture of the MLG bogie beam, which, under high speed, could ultimately result in the airplane departing the runway, the bogie beam detaching from the airplane, or collapse of the MLG; and consequent structural damage to the airplane and injury to the occupants.
AD 2012-18-10 R1 · published Dec 27, 2012, effective Jan 31, 2013
GA200 (Pty) Ltd Airplanes
We are revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all GA200 (Pty) Ltd Models GA200 and GA200C 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 failure of the wing strut bolt through the main spar. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2012-25-05 · published Dec 27, 2012, effective Jan 31, 2013
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of escape slides failing to deploy from the forward and aft right-hand doors during scheduled maintenance slide deployments. This AD requires modifying the escape slide. Also, for certain airplanes, this AD requires modifying or replacing the Vespel piston. For certain other airplanes, this AD requires an additional modification of the escape slide. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of an escape slide to deploy, which could result in the slide being unusable during an emergency evacuation and increased likelihood of injury to passengers or crewmembers due to the difficulty in evacuating the airplane.
AD 2012-25-10 · published Dec 27, 2012, effective Jan 31, 2013
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-300 series airplanes and Model A340-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that, during a flight test, several spoiler servo-controls (SSCs) did not remain locked in the retracted position (hydraulic locking function) after manual depressurization of the corresponding hydraulic circuit. Loss of that locking function--which is ensured by a blocking valve--was caused by an internal leak from a sheared seal on the blocking valve. This AD requires inspecting to determine if certain SSCs are installed, performing an operational test of any affected SSC, and replacing if necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the hydraulic locking function during take-off and go-around phases, which, in combination with malfunction of one engine, could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
AD 2012-23-07 · published Dec 7, 2012, effective Jan 11, 2013
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model EC135 helicopters, except the EC 135 P2+ and T2+. This AD requires inspecting each upper and lower plain journal bearing (bearing) and replacing the swashplate assembly with an airworthy swashplate assembly if a bearing is not correctly positioned. This AD was prompted by two reports of the bearings moving in relation to the main rotor swashplate sliding sleeve (sliding sleeve). The actions of this AD are intended to detect shifting of the bearing, which could limit the movement of the collective control and result in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-21-52 · published Dec 10, 2012, effective Dec 26, 2012
Agusta S.p.A. (Type Certificate Currently Held by AgustaWestland S.p.A.) (Agusta) Helicopters
We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta Model AW139 helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the pilot's and co-pilot's collective and cyclic control sticks for correctly installed attaching hardware. This AD is prompted by a report of an incorrectly installed pilot's collective stick, pilot's cyclic stick, and co-pilot's cyclic stick. These actions are intended to prevent detachment of the cyclic or collective control stick, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-23-11 · published Dec 10, 2012, effective Jan 14, 2013
Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Erickson Air-Crane Incorporated (Erickson) Model S-64F helicopters. This AD requires inspecting for cracking or working rivets in each left and right splice fitting (transition fitting), the pylon bulkhead assembly-canted (bulkhead assembly), and the pylon steel strap (strap). This AD was prompted by several reports of cracking in the transition fittings, the bulkhead assembly, and the pylon. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect cracking in the rotary rudder boom or pylon due to fatigue, and to prevent failure from static overload and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-23-02 · published Dec 12, 2012, effective Jan 16, 2013
Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E and Model A109S helicopters with certain lower semichannel assemblies installed. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the lower semichannel assemblies to determine if metallic spacers are installed. If the metallic spacers are installed, this AD requires an inspection for the correct installation of the metallic spacers on the semichannels and for the correct seating of the gaskets. If the metallic spacers are not installed with rivets, the lower semichannel assemblies must be modified, and the main drive shaft must be inspected for damage. This AD was prompted by reports of damage to the main drive shaft caused by improperly secured metallic spacers on some A109 model helicopters. The actions of this AD are intended to detect missing spacer rivets, which could allow the metallic spacers to rotate and lead to damage and failure of the main drive shaft, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
AD 2012-23-12 · published Dec 3, 2012, effective Jan 7, 2013
Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1E2, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. That AD currently requires a one-time inspection and torque check of the 3- way union plug installed on all fuel control units (FCUs). This new AD requires the same actions. This AD also requires reduction of the applicability to certain FCUs and references an updated service bulletin containing additional detailed information to identify the non-compliant "red disk." This AD also requires replacement of the plug before further flight if it is found to be non-compliant, and prohibits installation of FCUs that have not passed the 3-way union plug inspection and torque check. This AD was prompted by Turbomeca S.A. informing us that FCUs manufactured, repaired, or overhauled after March 31, 2008, do not require inspection. We are issuing this AD to prevent fuel leaks, which could result in a fire and damage to the helicopter.
AD 2012-24-03 · published Dec 3, 2012, effective Jan 7, 2013
Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A, 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E, 1E2, 1K, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive visual inspections for erosion caused by dust ingestion and, if necessary, cleaning of the gas generator (module M03). This new AD requires determining the engine history; performing a one-time visual inspection of the axial compressor for erosion; performing initial and repetitive cleaning of the gas generator hollow shaft; and replacing the rear bearing if the amount of dust collected during cleaning exceeds 8 grams. This AD also includes an optional terminating action. This AD was prompted by in-service experience which has shown that dust inside the gas generator hollow shaft may be found when the axial compressor wheel has less erosion than initially assessed. We are issuing this AD to prevent an unbalance of the gas generator rotating assembly, which may lead to gas generator rear bearing failure, and uncommanded engine shutdown.
AD 2012-24-09 · published Dec 5, 2012, effective Dec 20, 2012
Lycoming Engines and Continental Motors, Inc. Reciprocating Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Lycoming Engines TSIO-540-AK1A, and Continental Motors, Inc. TSIO-360- MB, TSIO-360-SB, and TSIO-360-RB reciprocating engines, with certain Hartzell Engine Technologies (HET) turbochargers, model TA0411, part number (P/N) 466642-0001; 466642-0002; 466642-0006; 466642-9001; 466642-9002; or 466642-9006, or with certain HET model TA0411 turbochargers overhauled or repaired since August 29, 2012. This AD requires removing the affected turbochargers from service before further flight. This AD was prompted by a report of a turbocharger turbine wheel that failed a static strength test at its manufacturing facility. We are issuing this AD to prevent turbocharger turbine wheel failure, reduction or complete loss of engine power, loss of engine oil, oil fire, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-24-05 · published Dec 10, 2012, effective Dec 26, 2012
Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 900 series turbofan engines. This AD requires inspection of the low pressure turbine (LPT) bearing housing end cover assembly in certain engines and, if necessary, its replacement. This AD was prompted by a Trent 900 engine experiencing a high intermediate pressure vibration fault, along with other fluctuating engine parameters, while in flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent fracture of the oil transfer tube, which could result in uncontained failure of the engine and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-25-08 · published Dec 26, 2012, effective Jan 10, 2013
Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain serial numbers (S/Ns) of Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 768-60, 772- 60, and 772B-60 turbofan engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive on-wing or in-shop inspections of the high pressure/ intermediate pressure (HP/IP) turbine bearing support oil feed tube outer heat shield. This AD also requires installation of a revised HP/ IP turbine bearing support structure as terminating action to the repetitive inspections of the HP/IP turbine bearing support oil feed tube outer heat shield. This AD was prompted by a report of high oil consumption due to an oil leak from the HP/IP turbine bearing support oil feed tube. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HP turbine disc, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-24-02 · published Dec 3, 2012, effective Jan 7, 2013
Stemme GmbH & Co. KG Powered Sailplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Stemme GmbH & Co. KG Models S10, S10-V, and S10-VT powered sailplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as unapproved rubber hoses installed in the engine fuel, oil, and cooling systems, which could lead to a system leak and result in an engine fire. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
