27 Airworthiness Directives: 12 airplane, 10 rotorcraft, 3 engine, 2 various.
AD 2013-16-24 · published Sep 4, 2013, effective Oct 9, 2013
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 90-23-14 for certain The Boeing Company Model 747 series airplanes. AD 90-23-14 required inspections of the fuselage skin lap splice between body station (BS) 340 and BS 400 at stringers (S)-6L and S-6R, and repair if necessary. This new AD adds new repetitive inspections for cracking in the S-6 skin lap splice, which terminates the inspections required by AD 90-23-14; eventual modification of the lap splice, which terminates the repetitive inspections; post-modification inspections; and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks up to 18.5 inches that were found at S-6L and S-6R on several airplanes, and subsequent analysis results that indicated that the protruding head fastener modification and related post-modification inspections required by AD 90-23-14 are not adequate to prevent cracking at the upper row of fasteners in the S-6 lap joint before the cracks reach a critical length. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking at the upper row of fasteners in the S-6 lap joint, which could result in a sudden loss of cabin pressurization and the inability of the fuselage to withstand failsafe loads.
AD 2013-17-09 · published Sep 4, 2013, effective Oct 9, 2013
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 that certain trimmable horizontal stabilizer actuators (THSA) were found with corrosion that affected the ballscrew lower splines between the tie-bar and screw-jack. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the THSA; ballscrew integrity tests, if necessary; and replacement of affected THSAs. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion in the ballscrew lower splines, which, if the ballscrew ruptured, could lead to transmission of THSA torque loads from the ballscrew to the tie-bar, prompting THSA blowback, and possible loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2013-17-06 · published Sep 13, 2013, effective Oct 18, 2013
Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 050 airplanes, and Model F.28 Mark 0070 and 0100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of loose nuts on contactors in the electrical power center (EPC), and in some cases, burned contactors. This AD requires inspecting and, if necessary, adjusting, the torque values of nuts on circuit breakers, contactors, and terminal blocks of the EPC and battery relay panel. This AD also requires inspecting to determine if certain parts are installed, and installing the parts if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct loose nuts, which could result in arcing and potentially an onboard fire, possibly resulting in damage to the airplane and injury to occupants or maintenance personnel.
AD 2013-18-04 · published Sep 13, 2013, effective Oct 18, 2013
PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all PIAGGIO AERO INDUSTRIES S.p.A Model P-180 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 cracks at the joint between the hinge pin sub-assembly and the lock pin of the main landing gear lever hinge fitting. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2013-17-08 · published Sep 17, 2013, effective Oct 22, 2013
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2010-20-08, which applied to 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, and 747SR series airplanes. AD 2010-20-08 required repetitive inspections to find cracking of the web, strap, inner chords, inner chord angle of the forward edge frame of the number 5 main entry door cutouts; the frame segment between stringers 16 and 31; repair if necessary; and repetitive inspections for cracking of repairs. This new AD expands the previous fuselage areas that are inspected for cracking. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of cracking outside of the previous inspection areas and a report of a crack that initiated at the aft edge of the inner chord rather than initiating at a fastener location. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracks, which could cause damage to the adjacent body structure and could result in depressurization of the airplane in flight.
AD 2013-18-02 · published Sep 17, 2013, effective Oct 22, 2013
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 reports of cracked and corroded nuts on an outboard flap support rib. This AD requires, for certain airplanes, repetitive inspections of the cap seal for damaged sealant on nuts common to certain outboard flap support ribs, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. For certain other airplanes, this AD also requires repetitive inspections of the cap seal for damaged sealant on nuts common to certain outboard flap support ribs, related investigative and corrective actions if necessary, and if necessary, a detailed inspection to determine the nut type installed in the outboard flap support rib and corrective actions. This AD also provides terminating action for the repetitive inspections under certain conditions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracked and corroded nuts and bolts and the installation of incorrect nuts on certain outboard flap support ribs, which could lead to additional nut and bolt damage in the joint, result in loss of an outboard flap, and adversely affect continued safe flight and landing of the airplane.
AD 2013-19-02 · published Sep 20, 2013, effective Oct 25, 2013
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that a certain wire harness located in the tail cone has wiring of a narrower gauge than design requires. This AD requires replacing the affected wire harness. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to the affected wiring, which could create an ignition source in an area that might contain fuel vapors, possibly resulting in an uncontrolled fire and subsequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2013-19-10 · published Sep 25, 2013, effective Oct 30, 2013
PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for PILATUS AIRCRAFT LTD. Model PC-12/47E 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 common grounding of both the pilot primary flight display (PFD) and the Electronic Standby Instrument System (ESIS). If the common ground fails both navigations systems could fail simultaneously, which could result in loss of control. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2013-19-12 · published Sep 25, 2013, effective Oct 15, 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 the aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as the fuel system integral sump tank does not meet FAA regulations. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2013-19-11 · published Sep 26, 2013, effective Oct 31, 2013
Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Diamond Aircraft Industries GmbH Models DA 42, DA 42 NG, and DA 42 M-NG 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 insufficient clearance between the rod end safety washer and the nose landing gear attachment lever causes the rod end to bend at each gear retraction sequence. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2013-19-03 · published Sep 30, 2013, effective Nov 4, 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 a report of chafing damage to a wire bundle that was arcing to hydraulic tubing and caused by insufficient separation between the wire bundle and the hydraulic tubing in the main landing gear (MLG) wheel well. This AD requires an inspection for damage of wire bundles and hydraulic tubing on the right side of the forward bulkhead of the MLG wheel well; installation of new clamps; and corrective actions, as applicable. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct possible damage caused by insufficient separation between the wire bundles and hydraulic tubing to prevent electrical arcing in a flammable fluid leakage zone, which could lead to a wheel well fire.
AD 2013-19-04 · published Sep 30, 2013, effective Nov 4, 2013
the Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of cracks found in the skin at body station (STA) 540 just below stringer S-22L on a Model 737-700 series airplane. This AD requires repetitive detailed and high frequency eddy current inspections for cracking of the skin around the eight fasteners common to the ends of the STA 540 bulkhead chords between stringers S-22 and S-23, left and right sides; and corrective actions and preventive modification if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the skin, which can result in rapid decompression of the cabin.
AD 2013-16-14 · published Sep 4, 2013, effective Oct 9, 2013
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) EC 135 P1, P2, P2+, T1, T2, and T2+ helicopters equipped with a certain main transmission housing upper part. This AD requires installing a corrugated washer in the middle of the main transmission filter housing upper part and modifying the main transmission housing upper part. This AD was prompted by an inspection of housing upper parts that revealed the bypass inlet in the oil filter area was not manufactured in accordance with applicable design specifications. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of the main transmission and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2013-17-01 · published Sep 4, 2013, effective Oct 9, 2013
Eurocopter France Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350 and AS355 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the tail rotor control stop screws to determine if they are correctly aligned and adjusting the screws if they are misaligned. This AD is prompted by the discovery of a loose nut on the tail rotor control stop and a misaligned tail rotor control stop screw. The actions of this AD are intended to detect a loose nut or a misaligned stop screw, which, if not corrected, could limit yaw authority, and consequently, result in a loss of helicopter control.
AD 2013-18-03 · published Sep 6, 2013, effective Oct 11, 2013
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Inc. Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Inc. (BHT) Model 206A, 206B, and 206L helicopters. This AD requires replacing certain part-numbered engine auto-relight kit control boxes. This AD was prompted by a design review that revealed the control box chipset did not meet the required temperature range requirements, which could cause the control box to malfunction, disabling the engine auto-relight system. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent a disabled auto-relight system, failure of the engine to relight after a flame-out, increased pilot workload during a power loss emergency, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2013-18-06 · published Sep 12, 2013, effective Oct 17, 2013
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Model 206A, 206B, 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, 206L-4, 222, 222B, 222U, 230, 407, 427, and 430 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting each bearing to determine if it has been properly staked and replacing the bearing or assembly if it has not been properly staked. This AD was prompted by bearings not being properly staked and migrating out of their proper position, which may limit the functionality of the affected part. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent failure of a bearing and the assembly in which it is installed and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2013-18-01 · published Sep 13, 2013, effective Oct 18, 2013
Eurocopter France Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model EC 155B, EC155B1, SA-365N, SA- 365N1, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, and SA-366G1 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the collective pitch lever for correct locking and unlocking conditions. This AD was prompted by two separate reports of inadvertent collective pitch lever locking and unlocking. The actions of this AD are intended to detect an incorrectly adjusted collective pitch lever, which could result in loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2013-18-05 · published Sep 13, 2013, effective Oct 18, 2013
Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH (ECD) Model EC135P1, EC135P2, EC135P2+, EC135T1, EC135T2, and EC135T2+ helicopters with certain fire extinguishing systems installed. This AD requires modifying the fire extinguishing system injection tubes. This AD is prompted by a report that the injection tubes are deforming due to heat. The actions required by this AD are intended to prevent deformation of the fire extinguishing system injection tubes during a fire, which could result in impaired distribution of the fire extinguishing agent, failure of the fire extinguishing system to contain an engine fire, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2013-18-07 · published Sep 13, 2013, effective Oct 18, 2013
Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Bell) Helicopters
We are superseding revised Airworthiness Directive (AD) 76-12- 07 for all Bell Model 204B and certain serial-numbered Model 205A-1 helicopters with a certain tail rotor pitch control chain (chain) installed. AD 76-12-07 required visually inspecting the chain to detect a crack in the link segments and, for affected Model 205A-1 helicopters, replacing the chain and cable control system with a push- pull control system. This new AD requires, for Bell Model 204B, inspecting certain chains at specified intervals, revising the inspection procedures, installing a tail rotor cable and chain damper kit (damper kit), and revising the maintenance manual or Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICAs) to include the inspection intervals. This new AD also requires, for certain Bell Model 205A-1 helicopters, replacing the chain and cable control system with an airworthy tail rotor push-pull control system kit. This AD was prompted by the rapid growth of a crack leading to premature chain failure. The actions are intended to prevent failure of the chain, loss of tail rotor blade pitch control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2013-16-03 · published Sep 17, 2013, effective Oct 22, 2013
Eurocopter France Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350 and AS355 helicopters, to require inspecting for a crack in the control lever attachment yokes, and if needed, replacing the tail rotor gearbox (TGB). This AD is prompted by improper casting of TGB casing assemblies, which may lead to cracking. A crack in the control lever attachment yokes could cause a loss of tail rotor pitch control, and consequently, loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2013-19-01 · published Sep 20, 2013, effective Oct 25, 2013
AgustaWestland S.p.A. Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for AgustaWestland S.p.A. (AgustaWestland) Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters to require inspecting the pilot and co-pilot doors to ensure that the windows are properly bonded within the doors. If the windows are not properly bonded, the AD requires applying bonding to the windows, the seals, and the window frames of the pilot and co-pilot doors. This AD was prompted by the loss of a pilot-door window during a test flight. The actions of this AD are intended to ensure the windows do not detach from the doors, potentially injuring persons on the ground and damaging the helicopter's tailboom and the tail rotor blades.
AD 2013-16-21 · published Sep 25, 2013, effective Oct 30, 2013
Agusta S.p.A. (Type Certificate Currently Held by Agusta Westland S.p.A) (Agusta) Helicopters
We are superseding an airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta Model A109E helicopters that required reducing the tail rotor (T/R) blade life limit, modifying a T/R hub and grip assembly, re-identifying two T/R assemblies, clarifying the never-exceed speed (Vne) limitation, and reducing the inspection interval. Since we issued that AD, the manufacturer has redesigned a T/R grip bushing (bushing) that reduces the loads, which caused the T/R cracking, on the T/R blades. This action requires installing the new bushing and re-identifying the T/R hub-and-grip and hub-and-blade assemblies and requires a recurring inspection of each bushing. These actions are intended to prevent fatigue failure of a T/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2013-15-10 · published Sep 3, 2013, effective Oct 8, 2013
Rolls-Royce plc (RR) Turbofan Engines
We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2012-10-12 for all RR RB211-Trent 553-61, 553A2-61, 556-61, 556A2-61, 556B-61, 556B2- 61, 560-61, 560A2-61, 768-60, 772-60, 772B-60, 875-17, 877-17, 884-17, 884B-17, 892-17, 892B-17, and 895-17 turbofan engines. AD 2012-10-12 required inspecting the intermediate-pressure (IP) compressor rotor shaft rear balance land for cracks. We are issuing this AD to require inspections of the IP compressor rotor shaft, as required by AD 2012- 10-12, to add on-wing inspections for the Trent 500 engines, and to add on-wing and in-shop inspections for the Trent 900 engines. This AD was prompted by detection of a crack in a Trent 500 IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance land during a shop visit. Further engineering evaluation, done by RR, concluded that the cracking may also exist in Trent 900 engines. We are issuing this AD to detect cracking on the IP compressor rotor shaft rear balance land, which could lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
AD 2013-16-23 · published Sep 3, 2013, effective Oct 8, 2013
Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-524B-02; -524B2-19; -524B3-02; -524B4-02; - 524C2-19; -524D4-19; -524D4-B-19; -524D4-39; -535C-37; -535E4-37; - 535E4-B-37, and -535E4-B-75 turbofan engines, and all RB211-524G2-19; - 524G3-19; -524H2-19; and -524H-36 turbofan engines. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the front combustion liner (FCL) metering panel to determine if it is made from N75 material and, if so, replacing it with an FCL made from C263 material. This AD was prompted by the discovery of a cracked and distorted FCL metering panel, which was made from N75 material. We are issuing this AD to prevent hot gases from burning through the engine casing, which could result in an under-cowl fire and damage to the airplane.
AD 2013-17-07 · published Sep 13, 2013, effective Oct 18, 2013
General Electric Company Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, -85B, -90B, -94B, -110B1, and - 115B turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of distress of certain stage 1 high-pressure turbine (HPT) stator shrouds due to accelerated corrosion and oxidation, including one engine in- flight shutdown (IFSD) caused by failure of the HPT stator shrouds. This AD requires initial and repetitive on-wing 360-degree borescope inspections (BSIs) for corrosion and oxidation of stage 1 HPT stator shrouds. If a shroud is found to be distressed, this AD requires reinspection at a reduced interval or removal from service before further flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of stage 1 HPT stator shrouds, resulting in an IFSD of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2013-17-04 · published Sep 4, 2013, effective Sep 24, 2013
Various Aircraft Equipped With Rotax Aircraft Engines 912 A Series Engine
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for various aircraft equipped with Rotax Aircraft Engines 912 A Series Engine. 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 oil leaks in the intake channel in the area of the valve guide on some cylinder heads could increase the oil consumption and result in engine stoppage. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2013-18-09 · published Sep 18, 2013, effective Oct 3, 2013
Honeywell ASCa Inc. Emergency Locator Transmitters Installed on Various Transport Category Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Honeywell ASCa Inc. emergency locator transmitters (ELTs) installed on various transport category airplanes. This AD requires various one-time general visual inspections of the ELT transmitter units (TUs), and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by a fire on a parked and unoccupied airplane; preliminary information indicated combustion in the area of the ELT TU. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the battery wiring installation inside the TU, which could result in an electrical short and possible ignition source.
