17 Airworthiness Directives: 13 airplane, 4 rotorcraft.
AD 2015-24-06 · published Dec 4, 2015, effective Dec 4, 2015
Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation Model GVI airplanes. This AD requires repetitive breakaway torque checks and torqueing of the brake inlet self-sealing couplings. This AD also requires revising the airplane flight manual to include procedures to follow in the event of certain display indications. This AD was prompted by reports of the self- sealing couplings on the brake inlet fitting that have been found backed out of the fully seated position. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct inadequate torque on the self-sealing coupling. This condition could result in an unannounced total loss of braking capability on one or multiple brakes, which could result in a runway overrun or asymmetrical braking that can lead to a lateral runway excursion.
AD 2015-24-05 · published Dec 8, 2015, effective Jan 12, 2016
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Models PA-23-250, PA-24-250, PA-24-260, PA-24-400, PA-30, PA-31, PA-31-300, PA-31P, PA-39, and PA-E23-250 airplanes. This AD was prompted by an accident caused by fuel starvation where the shape of the wing fuel tanks and fuel below a certain level in that tank may have allowed the fuel to move away from the tank outlet during certain maneuvers. This AD requires installing a fuel system management placard on the airplane instrument panel and adding text to the Limitations Section of the pilot's operating handbook (POH)/airplane flight manual (AFM). We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2015-25-07 · published Dec 21, 2015, effective Jan 25, 2016
Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2008-09-01 for certain Alpha Aviation Concept Limited Model R2160 airplanes. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as a need to revise the maintenance program to include the revised airworthiness limitations for the internal wing structure and wing attachment inspections. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2015-25-01 · published Dec 22, 2015, effective Jan 26, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757-200, 757-200CB, and 757-200PF airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that a forward-most cam latch of the forward center cam latch pair on a main cargo door (MCD) broke during flight. This AD requires doing a general visual inspection for broken or missing cam latches, latch pins, and latch pin cross bolts; torqueing the cross bolts in the latch pins; measuring the extension of the latch pins; replacing all alloy steel cross bolts through the latch pins with corrosion resistant steel (CRES) cross bolts; doing a general visual inspection of all cam latches for lip deformation; doing an inspection of cam latch 1 and cam latch 2 for cracks and replacing all cracked or broken parts; checking the rig of the MCD and re-rigging as applicable; and doing related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD also requires doing certain repetitive inspections until MCD rigging is done. This AD also requires repetitive MCD post- rigging inspections and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the cam latches, latch pins, and latch pin cross bolts, which could reduce the structural integrity of the MCD, and result in potential loss of the cargo door and rapid decompression of the airplane.
AD 2015-25-02 · published Dec 22, 2015, effective Jan 26, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, -200 Freighter, and -300 series airplanes; and all Airbus Model A340-200, -300, -500, and -600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks at certain frames of the forward cargo door. This AD requires a detailed inspection for cracking of certain forward cargo doors, and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking at certain frames, which could result in the loss of structural integrity of the forward cargo door.
AD 2015-25-03 · published Dec 24, 2015, effective Jan 28, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-23-03, which applies 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 2013-23-03 required a detailed inspection of certain attach fittings for a cylindrical defect, and replacement if necessary. For certain airplanes, this new AD requires new inspections of the inboard actuator attach fittings for machining defects, and overhaul or replacement if necessary. This new AD also limits the compliance time for doing the replacement for certain other airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that a machining defect was also found on some of the actuator assemblies inspected during manufacture. This defect could lead to fatigue cracking and subsequent fracture. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct defective inboard actuator attach fittings which, combined with loss of the outboard actuator load path, could result in uncontrolled retraction of the outboard flap, damage to flight control systems, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
AD 2015-25-05 · published Dec 24, 2015, effective Jan 28, 2016
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2A12 (CL-601) and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A, CL-601-3R, and CL-604 Variants) airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of an aft equipment bay fire due to chafing and subsequent arcing of the integrated drive generator (IDG) power cables. Additionally, we have received several reports of broken support brackets of the hydraulic line. This AD requires a one-time inspection of the IDG power cables for chafing, and for any cracked or broken support bracket of the hydraulic line; and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct broken support brackets of the hydraulic lines, which could result in inadequate clearance between the IDG power cables and hydraulic lines and chafing of the IDG power cables, and consequent high energy arcing and an uncontrolled fire in the aft equipment bay.
AD 2015-25-08 · published Dec 24, 2015, effective Jan 28, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 777 airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead webs are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD) on aging Model 777 airplanes that have accumulated at least 38,000 total flight cycles. This AD requires repetitive inspections for any crack in the aft webs of the radial lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead, and, if necessary, corrective actions. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the aft webs of the radial lap splices of the aft pressure bulkhead; such cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane, decompression of the cabin, and collapse of the floor structure.
AD 2015-25-09 · published Dec 24, 2015, effective Jan 28, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and all Model A340-200 and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that a bracket that attaches the cockpit instrument panel to the airplane structure does not sustain the fatigue loads of the design service goal. This AD requires repetitive inspections of that bracket for cracking and to determine if both lugs are fully broken, an inspection for cracking of an adjacent bracket if necessary, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also provides an optional modification, which terminates the repetitive inspections. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking on a bracket of the cockpit instrument panel, which, combined with failure of the horizontal beam, could lead to collapse of the cockpit panel, and reduced controllability of the airplane.
AD 2015-25-06 · published Dec 29, 2015, effective Feb 2, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-06-04, for certain Airbus Model A300 B2-1C, B2-203, B2K-3C, B4-103, B4-203, B4-2C airplanes; Model A310 series airplanes; Model A300 B4-600 series airplanes; and Model A300 B4-600R series airplanes. AD 2010-06-04 required repetitive inspections to detect cracks of the pylon side panels (upper section) at rib 8; and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD continues to require repetitive inspections for cracking of the pylons 1 and 2 side panels (upper section) at rib 8 with reduced compliance times, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires repetitive post-repair and post-modification inspections and repair if necessary. This AD also removes certain airplanes having a certain modification from the applicability. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks found on pylon side panels at rib 8 and a fleet survey and updated fatigue and damage tolerance analyses. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of pylon side panels (upper section) at rib 8, which could lead to reduced structural integrity of the pylon primary structure, which could cause detachment of the engine from the fuselage.
AD 2015-26-02 · published Dec 29, 2015, effective Feb 2, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A330-200, A330-200 Freighter, and A330-300 series airplanes; and Airbus Model A340-200, A340-300, A340-500, and A340-600 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that, during a production flight test, the ram air turbine (RAT) did not pressurize the green hydraulic system. For certain airplanes, this AD requires identification of the part number, serial number, and standard of the RAT pump, RAT module, RAT actuator, and RAT lower gearbox assembly; replacement of the balance weight screw, modification of the actuator coil spring, modification of the actuator, an inspection of the anti- stall valve for correct installation in the RAT pump housing; and corrective actions if necessary. For certain other airplanes, this AD requires re-identification or replacement of the RAT module. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of the impeller function and RAT pump pressurization capability, which, if preceded by a total engine flame- out, could result in the loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2015-26-03 · published Dec 29, 2015, effective Feb 2, 2016
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-07-10 for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. AD 2011-07-10 required revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness; doing detailed visual inspections; removing discrepant material; cleaning the surfaces of the valves, the plug of the sensing port, and the cabin pressure-sensing port plug; securing the insulation; installing a new safety valve, and replacing certain cabin pressure-sensing port plugs. This new AD retains all requirements of AD 2011-07-10, and requires a detailed visual inspection of both safety valves and the surrounding area for foreign material, room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone, contamination, foam on the bulkhead structure, tape or insulation, and loose material; and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of in-flight loss of cabin pressurization that was attributed to partial blockage of a safety valve cabin pressure-sensing port in conjunction with a failed safety valve manometric capsule. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct blockage of a safety valve cabin pressure-sensing port, which could result in loss of cabin pressure.
AD 2015-26-07 · published Dec 31, 2015, effective Feb 4, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -300F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a finding that certain barrel nuts installed at the vertical fin may be subject to stress corrosion and cracking. This AD requires either repetitive inspections of vertical fin barrel nuts for corrosion or a magnetic check to identify certain barrel nuts, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corroded and loose barrel nuts that attach the vertical fin to body section 48; this condition could result in reduced structural integrity of the vertical fin attachment joint, loss of the vertical fin, and consequent loss of controllability of the airplane.
AD 2015-22-53 · published Dec 1, 2015, effective Dec 16, 2015
Airbus Helicopters
We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 helicopters. This AD was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters and supersedes Emergency AD 2015-22-52, dated October 28, 2015. This AD requires revising the rotorcraft flight manual (RFM) to stop performing the yaw load compensator check during preflight procedures and instead perform it during post-flight procedures after rotor shut-down. This AD also requires the yaw servo hydraulic switch to be in the "ON" position before taking off. This AD is prompted by two accidents and one incident of Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B3 helicopters. From preliminary investigations, loss of tail rotor (T/R) control during takeoff was evident in each event. These actions are intended to prevent takeoff without hydraulic pressure in the T/R hydraulic system, loss of T/R flight control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2015-25-04 · published Dec 9, 2015, effective Dec 24, 2015
Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109A and A109A II helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the slider assembly pitch control (slider) for play and replacing the slider if the play exceeds certain limits. This AD is prompted by a report of excessive slider play and wear that was detected during a scheduled inspection of a Model A109A II helicopter. These actions are intended to detect and prevent excessive wear and play on a slider, which could lead to loss of tail rotor pitch control and consequently loss of helicopter control.
AD 2015-26-01 · published Dec 22, 2015, effective Jan 26, 2016
Airbus Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C1, AS332L1, AS332L2, EC225LP, AS-365N2, AS 365 N3, EC 155B, and EC155B1 helicopters with an energy absorbing seat (seat). This AD requires inspecting for the presence of labels that prohibit stowing anything under the seat. If a label is missing or not clearly visible to each occupant, we require installing a label. This AD was prompted by the discovery that required labels had not been systematically installed. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent objects from being stowed under the seat as these objects could reduce the energy-absorbing function of the seat, resulting in injury to the seat occupants during an accident.
AD 2015-26-04 · published Dec 31, 2015, effective Feb 4, 2016
Airbus Helicopters (Previously Eurocopter France)
We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2002-13-11 for Eurocopter France (now Airbus Helicopters) Model EC120B helicopters. AD 2002-13-11 required installing front and side covers on the cabin floor to protect the yaw control at both the pilot and co-pilot stations. Since we issued AD 2002-13-11, we have determined that the required actions should apply only to the cabin's right-hand pilot station. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2002-13-11 but for only the pilot station. These actions are intended to prevent an object from sliding between the canopy and the cabin floor, loss of yaw control, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.
