31 Airworthiness Directives: 11 airplane, 5 rotorcraft, 12 engine, 2 appliance, 1 glider.
AD 2012-26-02 · published Jan 2, 2013, effective Feb 6, 2013
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the crown area of the fuselage skin, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD adds repetitive inspections for cracking using different inspection methods and inspecting additional areas, and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD also requires additional repairs to previously repaired areas and repetitive inspections for loose fasteners and replacement if necessary in certain previously repaired areas. This AD also reduces certain compliance times and extends certain other compliance times. This AD was prompted by additional reports of cracking at the horizontal chem-mill steps away from the lap joints over the entire crown area, and vertical chem-mill cracks adjacent to the butt joints. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the fuselage skin, which could cause the fuselage skin to fracture and fail, and result in rapid decompression of the airplane.
AD 2012-26-03 · published Jan 2, 2013, effective Feb 6, 2013
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-202, -203, -223, -243, -302, -323, -342, and -343 airplanes; and Model A340-313 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that a specific batch of cargo doors might have deviations in quality related to door structure, such as irregular bore holes, improper application of sealant and paint, or uncleanliness. This AD requires inspecting to identify the part and serial numbers of the forward and aft cargo doors, and replacing the affected cargo doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent the degraded structural capability of the cargo door, a primary structure, from leading to failure of the door, which could lead to a breach through the door or the door detaching from the airplane, resulting in potential rapid decompression.
AD 2012-26-05 · published Jan 2, 2013, effective Feb 6, 2013
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter series airplanes, Model A330-200 series airplanes, Model A330-300 series airplanes, Model A340-200 series airplanes, and Model A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight turn back after the nose landing gear (NLG) did not retract after take-off. This AD requires repetitive overhaul of the NLG retraction actuator. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the retraction actuator, which could cause collapse of the NLG after touchdown and possible injury to flightcrew and passengers.
AD 2012-26-01 · published Jan 9, 2013, effective Feb 13, 2013
Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Saab AB, Saab Aerosystems Model SAAB 2000 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of chafing on the bottom panel of the center cabin. This AD requires a general visual inspection to determine if certain fasteners are installed, and related investigative and corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any chafing on the bottom panel of the center cabin, which could affect the structural integrity of the affected wing-to-fuselage connection.
AD 2012-26-51 · published Jan 9, 2013, effective Jan 24, 2013
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. This emergency AD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these airplanes. This AD requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to advise the flight crew of emergency procedures for addressing Angle of Attack (AoA) sensor blockage. This AD also provides for optional terminating action for the AFM revision, which involves replacing AoA sensor conic plates with AoA sensor flat plates. This AD was prompted by a report that an airplane equipped with AoA sensors installed with conic plates recently experienced blockage of all sensors during climb, leading to autopilot disconnection and activation of the alpha protection (Alpha Prot) when Mach number was increased. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced control of the airplane.
AD 2012-25-13 · published Jan 18, 2013, effective Feb 22, 2013
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747- 300, 747-400, 747-400F, and 747SR series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of broken and damaged latch pin retention bolts and subsequent migration of the latch pins of the main deck side cargo door (MDSCD). This AD requires various repetitive inspections of the MDSCD latch pin fittings, measuring the latch pin, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires modifying the latch pin fittings and installing new latch pins and latch pin fasteners. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the cargo door and rapid depressurization of the airplane.
AD 2012-26-04 · published Jan 18, 2013, effective Feb 22, 2013
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757-200, -200PF, and -200CB series airplanes powered by Rolls-Royce engines. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the shim installation between the drag brace fitting vertical flange and bulkhead, and repair if necessary; for certain airplanes, an inspection for cracking of the four critical fastener holes in the horizontal flange, and repair if necessary; and, for airplanes without conclusive records of previous inspections, performing the existing actions. This new AD reduces the repetitive inspection interval; adds repetitive detailed inspections for cracking of the bulkhead, and repair if necessary; allows an extension of the repetitive intervals for certain airplanes by also doing repetitive ultrasonic inspections for cracking of the bulkhead, and repair if necessary; and provides an option for a high frequency eddy current inspection for cracking of the critical fastener holes, and repair if necessary. This action also adds a terminating action for certain repetitive inspections. This AD was prompted by reports of loose fasteners and cracks at the joint common to the aft torque bulkhead and strut-to-diagonal brace fitting, and one report of such damage occurring less than 3,000 flight cycles after the last inspection. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks, loose and broken bolts, and shim migration in the joint between the aft torque bulkhead and the strut-to-diagonal brace fitting, which could result in damage to the strut and consequent separation of the strut and engine from the airplane.
AD 2013-01-02 · published Jan 18, 2013, effective Feb 22, 2013
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200C, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400D, 747-400F, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes; and certain Model 757-200, -200PF, and -300 series airplanes. That AD currently requires replacing the control switches of the forward, aft, and nose cargo doors of Model 747 airplanes; and requires replacing the control switches of cargo doors 1 and 2 of Model 757 series airplanes. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability and revises the initial compliance times for those airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of problems associated with the uncommanded operation of cargo doors. We are issuing this AD to prevent injuries to persons and damage to the airplane and equipment.
AD 2013-01-03 · published Jan 18, 2013, effective Feb 22, 2013
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-300, 737-400, 737-500, and 757-200 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of damage caused by electrical arcing to the wires that connect seat electronics boxes (SEBs). This AD requires installing a new relay and doing certain wiring changes of the entertainment control switch. We are issuing this AD to prevent power from being supplied to passenger seats when the entertainment control switch is in the OFF position, which could cause an electrical shock hazard resulting in serious or fatal injury to maintenance personnel.
AD 2013-01-06 · published Jan 18, 2013, effective Feb 7, 2013
PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for PILATUS Aircraft Ltd. Model PC-7 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 cracks in the engine mount fittings caused by stress corrosion. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2013-02-07 · published Jan 30, 2013, effective Mar 6, 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 from the manufacturer that center overhead stowage (COS) boxes could fall from their supports under forward load levels less than the 9 g forward load requirements as defined by certain regulations. This AD requires modifying COS boxes by installing new brackets, stiffeners, and hardware as needed. We are issuing this AD to prevent detachment of COS boxes at forward load levels less than 9 g during an emergency landing, which would cause injury to passengers and/or crew, and could impede subsequent rapid evacuation.
AD 2012-26-07 · published Jan 7, 2013, effective Feb 11, 2013
Eurocopter France Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350BA helicopters with certain AERAZUR emergency flotation gear container assemblies installed. This AD requires replacing each affected emergency flotation gear container assembly (container assembly) at specified time limits based on the date of manufacture. This AD was prompted because container assemblies with an intended operating limitation of 10 years may not have been replaced because the limit is no longer recorded in the Maintenance Program. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of the emergency container assembly because of age and subsequent damage to the helicopter and injury to the occupants after an emergency water landing.
AD 2012-26-10 · published Jan 9, 2013, effective Feb 13, 2013
Eurocopter France Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365C, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, and SA-366G1 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting portions of the main gearbox (MGB) for the presence of sealing compound and corrosion. This AD was prompted by reports of corrosion on the main MGB casing lower area between the two servo-control anchoring fitting attachment ribs. An investigation determined that the corrosion was associated with sealing compound on the lower part of the fitting/casing attachment. The actions in this AD are intended to detect corrosion on the MGB casing, which could lead to a crack, failure of the MGB, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-26-11 · published Jan 9, 2013, effective Feb 13, 2013
Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Bell Helicopter Textron Inc. (BHTI) Model 205A, 205A-1, and 205B helicopters with certain starter/generator power cable assemblies (power cable assemblies). This AD requires replacing the power cable assemblies and their associated parts, and performing continuity readings. This AD was prompted by the determination that the power cable assembly connector (connector) can deteriorate, causing a short in the connector that may lead to a fire in the starter/generator, smoke in the cockpit that reduces visibility, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
AD 2012-17-08 · published Jan 23, 2013, effective Feb 27, 2013
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) Helicopters
We are superseding four airworthiness directives related to the main rotor yoke (yoke) on the Bell Model 204B, 205A, 205A-1, 205B, and 212 helicopters, to retain certain inspections and certain life limits, to require an increased inspection frequency for certain yokes, and to expand these inspections and retirement lives to other yokes. This airworthiness directive is prompted by past reports of cracks in the yoke, another recent report of a cracked yoke, and the decision that other yokes, approved based on identicality, need to be subject to the same inspection requirements and retirement lives. The actions are intended to detect a crack in a yoke to prevent failure of the yoke, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2013-02-01 · published Jan 23, 2013, effective Feb 7, 2013
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting certain hydraulic servo actuator assemblies (servo) for a loose nut, shaft, and clevis assembly, modifying or replacing the servo as necessary, and reidentifying the servo. This AD is prompted by an investigation after an accident and the determination that there was a loose connection due to improper lock washer installation. These actions are intended to detect loose or misaligned parts of the servo to prevent failure of the servo and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2012-25-09 · published Jan 2, 2013, effective Feb 6, 2013
Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-524G2-19; RB211-524G2-T-19; RB211-524G3-19; RB211-524G3-T-19; RB211-524H2-19; RB211-524H2-T-19; RB211-524H-36; RB211-524H-T-36; RB211-535E4-37; RB211-535E4-B-37; RB211-535E4-B-75; and RB211-535E4-C-37 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by an investigation by RR concluding that certain intermediate-pressure (IP) turbine discs produced before 1997 by a certain supplier may contain steel inclusions. This AD requires removal of the affected IP turbine discs to inspect them for steel inclusions, and removal of the affected discs from service if they fail the inspection. This AD also requires removal from service of some IP turbine discs at reduced life limits. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained IP turbine disc failure, engine failure, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-26-12 · published Jan 9, 2013, effective Feb 13, 2013
Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH Reciprocating Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH (TAE) TAE 125-02-99 and TAE 125-02-114 reciprocating engines. This AD requires inspection of the oil filler plug vent hole at the next scheduled maintenance or within 110 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. If chips are found to be blocking the vent hole, additional corrective action is required before next flight. This AD was prompted by an in-flight shutdown of an airplane equipped with a TAE 125-02-99 engine. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine in-flight shutdown or power loss, possibly resulting in reduced control of the airplane.
AD 2012-26-13 · published Jan 9, 2013, effective Feb 13, 2013
Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH Reciprocating Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Thielert Aircraft Engines GmbH models TAE 125-01, TAE 125-02- 99, and TAE 125-02-114 reciprocating engines. That AD currently requires installation of full-authority digital electronic control (FADEC) software version 2.91. This new AD requires removing all software mapping versions prior to 292, 301, or 302, applicable to the TAE engine model. This AD was prompted by reports of possible power loss on airplanes equipped with TAE 125 engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine power loss or in-flight shutdown, resulting in reduced control of or damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-26-14 · published Jan 10, 2013, effective Jan 10, 2013
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG BR700-715A1-30, BR700-715B1-30, and BR700-715C1-30 turbofan engines. This AD requires a one-time removal from service of the high-pressure (HP) compressor stages 1 to 6 rotor disc assembly before exceeding certain thresholds. This AD was prompted by a report of silver chloride-induced stress corrosion cracking of the HP compressor stages 1 to 6 rotor disc assembly, identified during overhaul. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HP compressor stages 1 to 6 rotor disc assembly, which could result in uncontained failure of the engine and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-27-01 · published Jan 10, 2013, effective Jan 25, 2013
Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG (RRD) Model Tay 620-15 turbofan engines. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the low-pressure compressor (LPC) fan blades and if erosion is found their replacement before further flight. This AD was prompted by evidence of excessive leading edge erosion of the LPC fan blades on certain Tay 620-15 engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the LPC fan blade, which could result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
AD 2012-27-02 · published Jan 10, 2013, effective Feb 14, 2013
Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1A1, 1A2, 1B, 1C, 1C1, 1C2, 1D, 1D1, 1E2, 1K1, 1S, and 1S1 turboshaft engines. This AD requires performing a high gas generator speed (NG) rating vibration check. This AD was prompted by several reports of uncommanded in-flight shutdown on Arriel 1 engines. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded in- flight shutdown of the engine, which could result in an emergency landing.
AD 2012-26-08 · published Jan 11, 2013, effective Feb 15, 2013
Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Turboprop Engines
We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. (P&WC) PW118, PW118A, PW118B, PW119B, PW119C, PW120, PW120A, PW121, PW121A, PW123, PW123B, PW123C, PW123D, PW123E, PW123AF, PW124B, PW125B, PW126A, PW127, PW127E, PW127F, PW127G, and PW127M turboprop engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive inspections of certain serial numbers (S/Ns) of propeller shafts for cracks and removal from service if found cracked. This new AD requires the same actions, but requires removal from service of affected propeller shafts as mandatory terminating action to the repetitive inspections. This AD was prompted by reports of two propeller shafts found cracked at time of inspection during maintenance. We are issuing this AD to detect propeller shaft cracks, which could cause failure of the shaft, propeller release, and loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2013-02-03 · published Jan 24, 2013, effective Jan 24, 2013
Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-Trent 970-84, 970B-84, 972-84, 972B-84, 977- 84, 977B-84, and 980-84 turbofan engines. This AD requires replacement of the fuel oil heat exchanger (FOHE). This AD was prompted by a report of an in-flight increase of N2 intermediate pressure rotor vibrations resulting in an engine surge and pilot shut down of the engine. We are issuing this AD to prevent rotor bearing oil starvation, uncontained engine failure, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2013-02-02 · published Jan 28, 2013, effective Jan 28, 2013
CFM International, S.A. Turbofan Engines Modified by Supplemental Type Certificate SE00034EN
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for CFM International, S.A. CFM56-3, CFM56-3B, and CFM56-3C turbofan engines. This AD requires removal from service of certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) disks manufactured by Global Material Solutions of Pratt & Whitney, at reduced maximum life limits. This AD was prompted by a report of a forging process error during manufacture of these HPT disks. We are issuing this AD to prevent uncontained release of multiple turbine blades, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2013-02-06 · published Jan 28, 2013, effective Feb 12, 2013
Engine Alliance Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Engine Alliance GP7270 and GP7277 turbofan engines. This AD requires initial and repetitive borescope inspections and removal from service before further flight if one or more burn holes are detected, in certain high-pressure turbine (HPT) stage 2 nozzles. This AD also requires mandatory removal from service of these HPT stage 2 nozzles at the next engine shop visit. This AD was prompted by a report received of inadequate cooling of the HPT stage 2 nozzle, leading to damage to the HPT stage 2 nozzle, burn-through of the turbine case, and engine shutdown. We are issuing this AD to prevent HPT stage 2 nozzle failure, leading to uncontrolled fire, engine shutdown, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2013-02-04 · published Jan 30, 2013, effective Feb 14, 2013
Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc RB211-Trent 970-84, RB211-Trent 970B-84, RB211-Trent 972-84, RB211-Trent 972B-84, RB211-Trent 977-84, RB211-Trent 977B-84 and RB211-Trent 980-84 turbofan engines. This AD requires on-wing inspections of low-pressure turbine (LPT) disk seal fins and interstage seals when post-flight review indicates Engine Health Monitoring (EHM) vibratory maintenance-alert limits were exceeded in flight. The AD also requires in-shop inspections of the LPT disk seal fins and interstage seals to detect cracks or damage and, depending on the findings, accomplishment of corrective action. This AD is prompted by a Trent 900 engine experiencing LPT stage 2 disk interstage seal material loss and increased low-pressure rotor vibration while in flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the LPT disk, which could result in uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
AD 2013-01-07 · published Jan 31, 2013, effective Mar 7, 2013
Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 2D turboshaft engines. This AD was prompted by a low fuel pressure event caused by deterioration and a loss of the low- pressure drive function within the hydro-mechanical metering unit (HMU). This AD requires replacing the HMU at a reduced life. We are issuing this AD to prevent an uncommanded in-flight shutdown of the engine, and possible loss of the helicopter.
AD 2012-26-15 · published Jan 9, 2013, effective Jan 24, 2013
Honeywell International Inc. Air Data Pressure Transducers
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Honeywell International Inc. air data pressure transducers as installed on various aircraft. This AD requires various tests or checks of equipment having certain air data pressure transducers, and removal of equipment if necessary. As an option to the tests or checks, this AD allows removal of affected equipment having certain air data pressure transducers. This AD was prompted by a report of a pressure measurement error in the pressure transducer used in various air data systems, which translates into air data parameter errors. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct inaccuracies of the pressure sensors, which could result in altitude, computed airspeed, true airspeed, and Mach computation errors. These errors could reduce the ability of the flightcrew to maintain the safe flight of the aircraft and could result in consequent loss of control of the aircraft.
AD 2013-02-05 · published Jan 30, 2013, effective Mar 6, 2013
the Boeing Company
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 requires, for certain airplanes, installing two warning level indicator lights on each of the P1-3 and P3-1 instrument panels in the flight compartment. This AD also requires, for certain airplanes, replacing the existing P5-16 and P5-10 panels; and, for certain airplanes, replacing the basic P5-16 panel with a high altitude landing P5-16 panel. Additionally, this AD requires revising the airplane flight manual to remove certain requirements of previous AD actions, and to advise the flightcrew of certain changes. This AD was prompted by a design change in the cabin altitude warning system that would address the identified unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the flightcrew to recognize and react to a valid cabin altitude warning horn, which 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 2012-26-09 · published Jan 9, 2013, effective Feb 13, 2013
Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH Sailplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Burkhart GROB Luft- und Raumfahrt GmbH Models GROB G 109 and GROB G 109B 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 corrosion and/or cracking of the elevator control rod that could lead to failure of the elevator control rod with consequent loss of control. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
