31 Airworthiness Directives: 22 airplane, 6 rotorcraft, 3 engine.
AD 2015-26-08 · published Jan 5, 2016, effective Jan 20, 2016
Piper Aircraft, Inc.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-44-180 and PA-44-180T airplanes. This AD requires an inspection and, if necessary, modification of the emergency gear extension cable. This AD was prompted by a report of a misrouted emergency gear extension cable. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2015-25-10 · published Jan 13, 2016, effective Feb 17, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2011-24-05 for certain Airbus Model A330-201, -202, -203, -223, -243, -301, -302, - 303, -321, -322, -323, -341, -342, and -343 airplanes, and Model A340- 200 and -300 series airplanes. AD 2011-24-05 required repetitive inspections for cracking of the hole(s) of the horizontal flange of the keel beam, and repair if necessary. This new AD requires changing the inspection compliance times, and, for certain airplanes, adding a one- time ultrasonic inspection for cracking at a certain fastener hole. This new AD also provides optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD was prompted by a determination that the rototest inspection and applicable corrective actions of a certain fastener hole were inadvertently omitted from the requirements in AD 2011-24-05. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the fastener holes, which could result in rupture of the keel beam, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2015-26-09 · published Jan 13, 2016, effective Feb 17, 2016
ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42 airplanes. This AD was prompted by several reports of a cracked floor beam at frame (FR) 26, and of discrepancies in certain wing inspection tasks in maintenance documents that could lead to errors in scheduling inspection intervals of structurally significant items (SSIs). This AD requires repetitive inspections of certain floor beams and revision of the maintenance or inspection program to include inspections of several areas of the wings. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct any cracking of the floor beam at FR 26 and several areas of the wings, which could lead to reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2016-01-01 · published Jan 13, 2016, effective Feb 17, 2016
Piper Aircraft, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piper Aircraft, Inc. Model PA-46-500TP airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of the wing upper skin joints being manufactured without sealant, which allows water to enter and stay in sealed, bonded stringers. This AD requires inspecting the upper wing surface for sealant; inspecting the wing stringers for water intrusion; inspecting for deformation and corrosion if evidence of water intrusion exists; and taking corrective actions as necessary. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2016-01-02 · published Jan 13, 2016, effective Feb 17, 2016
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the horizontal stabilizer trim actuator (HSTA) spur gear bolts inside the gearbox were found loose, broken, or backed out due to incorrect bending of the anti-rotation tab washer and the improper application of Loctite glue during installation. This AD requires replacing certain HSTAs with a new HSTA. This AD also requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) and the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HSTA and subsequent loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2016-01-03 · published Jan 13, 2016, effective Feb 17, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A330-200 Freighter, A330-200, A330-300, A340-200, and A340-300 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that the inner bore of some main landing gear (MLG) unit bogie beams were insufficiently re-protected against corrosion after inspection or maintenance actions were accomplished. This AD requires for certain MLG units, determining which revision of the component maintenance manual (CMM) was used to accomplish the most recent MLG unit overhaul; a detailed inspection for missing or damaged paint, and if necessary, a detailed inspection of the cadmium plating for discrepancies, measurement of the depth of the cadmium plating, a general visual inspection of the base metal for corrosion or damage, a detailed inspection of repaired areas for cracking or corrosion; and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion in the bore of each MLG unit bogie beam, which could result in collapse of a MLG unit, and subsequent damage to the airplane and injury to occupants.
AD 2016-01-04 · published Jan 13, 2016, effective Feb 17, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2005-01-09, 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 2005-01-09 required a one-time detailed inspection for discrepancies of the frame web and inner chords on the forward edge frame of the number 5 main entry door cutout, and corrective action if necessary. This new AD adds repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the frame inner chords (forward and aft), and corrective action if necessary. This AD was prompted by additional cracking found in the same area after completion of the one-time detailed inspection. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the frame web and inner chords, which could result in cracking, subsequent severing of the frame, and consequent rapid depressurization of the airplane.
AD 2016-01-05 · published Jan 13, 2016, effective Feb 17, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737-400 series airplanes, as modified by a certain supplemental type certificate. This AD was prompted by the discovery of a design drawing error regarding placards that identified incorrect squibs and pressure switches for certain fire extinguisher bottles. This AD requires a detailed inspection of certain cargo placards to determine if they are the correct placards and in the correct location, a detailed inspection of the harnesses to verify that they are marked and installed correctly, and corrective action if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrectly installed harnesses for the cargo fire suppression system bottles, which could result in an incorrect activation sequence of the bottles, the inability to suppress a cargo fire quickly, and a possible uncontrollable fire.
AD 2016-01-08 · published Jan 13, 2016, effective Feb 17, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2013-13-04, for certain Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321 series airplanes. AD 2013-13-04 required installing a power interruption protection circuit for the landing gear control interface unit (LGCIU). This new AD requires a new modification of any previously modified LGCIU. This new AD also requires revising the maintenance or inspection program to reduce a certain functional check interval. This new AD also adds airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by a determination that additional work is necessary to adequately address the identified unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent untimely unlocking and/or retraction of the nose landing gear (NLG), which, while on the ground, could result in injury to ground personnel and damage to the airplane.
AD 2015-26-05 · published Jan 14, 2016, effective Feb 18, 2016
Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.28 Mark 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a design review, which revealed that no controlled bonding provisions are present on a number of critical locations outside the fuel tank. This AD requires installing additional and improved fuel system bonding provisions, and revising the airplane maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, by incorporating fuel airworthiness limitation items and critical design configuration control limitations. We are issuing this AD to prevent an ignition source in the fuel tank vapor space, which could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2015-26-06 · published Jan 14, 2016, effective Feb 18, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-14-09 for certain Airbus Model A320-211, -212, and -231 airplanes. AD 2004-14-09 required repetitive inspections for fatigue cracking of the lower surface panel on the wing center box, and repair if necessary; and modification of the lower surface panel on the wing center box, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This new AD retains the requirements of AD 2004-14-09, reduces the compliance times for the repetitive inspections, and requires an additional repair for certain airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that, based on the average flight duration, the average weight of fuel at landing is higher than that defined for the analysis of the fatigue-related tasks; and that shot peening might have been improperly done on the chromic acid anodizing (CAA) protection, which would adversely affect fatigue crack protection. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the lower surface panel on the wing center box, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2016-01-07 · published Jan 21, 2016, effective Feb 5, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A319-113 and A319-114 airplanes; and Model A320-211 and A320-212 airplanes. This AD requires identifying affected engines, and doing a torque check of the forward engine bolts on affected engines. This AD would also require, for any bolt rotation that is found, torqueing the bolt and eventually replacing the forward engine mount bolts, nuts, and washers, doing a fluorescent penetrant inspection and dimensional check of the affected bolt holes for local deformation and cracks, and doing corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by an incorrect torque unit for the CFM56-5A engine forward mount fasteners that was inadvertently introduced into a certain Airbus airplane maintenance manual. We are issuing this AD to prevent loose bolts, which, if combined with induced maintenance damage, could lead to forward engine mount failure. An engine mount failure can result in an engine detachment and consequent reduced control of the airplane, damage to the airplane, and injury to persons on the ground.
AD 2016-01-09 · published Jan 21, 2016, effective Feb 25, 2016
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of several cracks found on the forward passenger airstair door step assembly. This AD requires an inspection to determine the serial number of the airstair door step assembly, and if necessary, an electronic tap test, reidentification of the airstair door step assembly, and replacement of the airstair door step assembly. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the forward passenger airstair door step assembly; such cracking could propagate and result in the structural failure of the steps and impede the evacuation of passengers in the event of an emergency egress situation.
AD 2016-01-11 · published Jan 21, 2016, effective Feb 25, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-18-26, for certain Airbus Model A320 series airplanes. AD 98-18-26 required repetitive inspections to detect fatigue cracking of the front spar vertical stringers on the wings; and repair, if necessary. This new AD requires repetitive high frequency eddy current (HFEC) inspections for cracking of the radius of the front spar vertical stringers and the horizontal floor beam on frame 36, a rototest inspection for cracking of the fastener holes of the front spar vertical stringers on frame 36, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports that indicate new repetitive inspections having new thresholds and intervals are needed and that additional work is needed to accomplish the inspections on airplanes on which a previous modification has been accomplished. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the front spar vertical stringers on the wings, which could result in the reduced structural integrity of the airframe.
AD 2016-01-12 · published Jan 21, 2016, effective Feb 25, 2016
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-700-1A10 and BD-700-1A11 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of fluid entry and accumulation in the aft equipment bay. This AD requires modifying the aft equipment bay. We are issuing this AD to prevent excessive quantities of flammable fluid accumulation in the aft equipment bay. Flammable fluid entry and accumulation in the aft equipment bay, in excessive quantities, could exceed safe levels maintained by the drainage and ventilation system.
AD 2016-01-13 · published Jan 21, 2016, effective Feb 25, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A310 and Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes; and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). This AD was prompted by a report of skin disbonding and damage found on the composite side panel of the rudder, located between the rudder core and skin of a previously repaired area. This AD requires an inspection for disbonding or damage of certain rudders, and related investigative actions and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct disbonding and damage of the rudder, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the rudder and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
AD 2016-01-16 · published Jan 21, 2016, effective Feb 25, 2016
Dassault Aviation Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2002-23-20, for certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 900EX and MYSTERE-FALCON 900 airplanes. AD 2002-23-20 required repetitive operational tests of the flap asymmetry detection system to verify proper functioning, and repair if necessary; repetitive replacement of the inboard flap jackscrews with new or reconditioned jackscrews; and repetitive measurement of the screw/nut play of the jackscrews on the inboard and outboard flaps to detect discrepancies, and corrective action if necessary. AD 2002-23-20 also required a revision of the airplane flight manual. Since we issued AD 2002-23-20, the maintenance manual has been revised. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include the maintenance tasks and airworthiness limitations specified in the Airworthiness Limitations section of the airplane maintenance manual. This AD also removes the Model FALCON 900EX airplanes from the applicability. We are issuing this AD to prevent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2016-01-17 · published Jan 21, 2016, effective Feb 25, 2016
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. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked forward door members of the inboard main landing gear (MLG) doors. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the inboard MLG doors, repairs if necessary, and replacement of the inboard MLG doors. This AD also provides optional terminating action for the door replacement. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of an MLG door during flight, which could result in damage to the airplane.
AD 2016-02-02 · published Jan 26, 2016, effective Mar 1, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Model A318-111 and -112 airplanes; Model A319-111, -112, and - 115 airplanes; Model A320-214 airplanes; and Model A321-111, -112, -211, -212, and -213 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracked cadmium-plated lock nuts that attach the hinge to the fan cowl door. This AD requires inspecting to determine the serial number of each engine fan cowl door, inspecting for cracking of the hinge lock nuts of any affected door, and replacing the lock nuts if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the hinge lock nuts, which could result in separation of the hinge from the fan cowl door, in-flight loss of the door, and consequent damage to the airplane.
AD 2016-02-03 · published Jan 26, 2016, effective Mar 1, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A319-113, A319-114, A320-211, and A320-212 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report that the aft mount pylon bolts of the CFM56-5 engines may have been installed using the wrong torque values. This AD requires identification of engines that were installed using the wrong torque values and re-torque of the four aft mount pylon bolts of those engines. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct improper torque of the aft mount pylon bolts, which, if combined with any maintenance damage, could lead to aft engine mount failure, possibly resulting in engine detachment and consequent reduced control of the airplane.
AD 2016-01-18 · published Jan 28, 2016, effective Mar 3, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 98-20-27 for all Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes, and Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes (collectively called Model A300-600 series airplanes). AD 98-20-27 required repetitive inspections to detect fatigue cracking of the wing top skin at the front spar joint; and a follow-on eddy current inspection and repair, if necessary. This new AD reduces the inspection compliance time and intervals, and expands the inspection area of the wing top skin at the front spar joint. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking of the wing top skin in an area not required for inspection by AD 98-20-27. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the wing top skin at the front spar joint; such fatigue cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2016-02-01 · published Jan 28, 2016, effective Mar 3, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 96-18-06 for certain Airbus Model A320-211 and -231 airplanes. AD 96-18-06 required visual inspections to detect cracks of the pressurized floor fittings at frame 36, and renewal of the zone protective finish or replacement of fittings with new fittings if necessary. Since we issued AD 96-18- 06, an extended service goal analysis by the manufacturer revealed that the compliance times and repetitive inspection intervals should be reduced to meet the design service goal. This AD retains the requirements of AD 96-18-06, with reduced compliance times and repetitive inspection intervals. This AD also adds Model A320-212 airplanes to the applicability. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in the pressurized floor fittings at frame 36, which could result in failure of a floor fitting and subsequent depressurization of the fuselage.
AD 2015-26-10 · published Jan 5, 2016, effective Feb 9, 2016
Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-76A, S-76B, and S-76C helicopters. This AD requires inspecting the main gearbox (MGB) lower housing jet bores for leaks, paint or caulk blistering, and liner protrusion. This AD was prompted by several reports of MGB low oil pressure warnings which were determined to be the result of unsecured jet bore liners that had protruded. The actions are intended to prevent failure of the MGB from loss of oil, which could result in subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2016-01-06 · published Jan 13, 2016, effective Jan 28, 2016
Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting each full ice protection system tail rotor slip ring (slip ring) for chatter marks, witness marks, or scoring, and determining the depth of each mounting hole. Based on the findings from the inspection, this AD requires either re-identifying the slip ring or replacing the slip ring. This AD is prompted by two incidents of the slip ring body separating from the supporting flange due to improper torque. These actions are intended to prevent separation of the mounting flange from the slip ring body and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2015-12-09 R1 · published Jan 21, 2016, effective Feb 25, 2016
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) (Airbus Helicopters)
We are revising airworthiness directive (AD) 2015-12-09 for Airbus Helicopters Model EC135P1, EC135T1, EC135P2, EC135T2, EC135P2+, EC135T2+, and MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters. AD 2015-12-09 required inspecting certain washers for movement and making the appropriate repairs if the washers move. As published, AD 2015-12-09 referenced an incorrect date for the service information in the Credit for Previous Actions section. This AD corrects the error while retaining the requirements of AD 2015-12-09. These actions are intended to prevent loss of concerned control axis and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2016-01-14 · published Jan 21, 2016, effective Feb 25, 2016
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) (previously Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH) Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, C-1, and C-2 helicopters. This AD requires an initial and recurring inspection of the N2 control arm and, depending on the outcome of the inspection, repairing or replacing the N2 control arm. This AD was prompted by a report of a heavily corroded and broken N2 control arm. The actions of this AD are intended to detect corrosion, a crack, or a scratch in the N2 control arm, which could lead to failure of the N2 control arm, a drop in rotor speed, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2016-01-15 · published Jan 21, 2016, effective Feb 25, 2016
Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD requires visually inspecting certain subfloor frames for a crack. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks on in-service helicopters. The actions of this AD are intended to detect or prevent a crack in the subfloor frame, which could result in failure of the pilot and co-pilot pedal support frame and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2016-01-19 · published Jan 21, 2016, effective Feb 25, 2016
MD Helicopters Inc.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters Inc. (MDHI) Model 500N and 600N helicopters with certain rotating cone assemblies installed. This AD requires establishing a life limit of 10,000 hours time-in-service (TIS) on these rotating cone assemblies. This AD was prompted by the determination that MDHI created rotating cone assemblies with new dash numbers but incorrectly failed to identify them as life-limited parts. The actions are intended to prevent operation of rotating cone assemblies past their life limits, failure of the rotating cone assemblies, loss of directional control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2015-27-01 · published Jan 12, 2016, effective Jan 27, 2016
General Electric Company Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) GE90-76B, -77B, -85B, -90B, and -94B turbofan engines. This AD requires performing an eddy current inspection (ECI) or ultrasonic inspection (USI) of the high-pressure compressor (HPC) stage 8-10 spool and removing from service those parts that fail inspection. This AD was prompted by an uncontained failure of the HPC stage 8-10 spool, leading to an airplane fire. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPC stage 8-10 spool, uncontained rotor release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2015-28-01 · published Jan 26, 2016, effective Mar 1, 2016
Engine Alliance Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Engine Alliance (EA) GP7270 turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by the manufacturer informing us that the inspection criteria and repair procedures in the maintenance manual for aft bolt holes of the high- pressure compressor (HPC) cone shaft on the affected engines is incorrect. This AD requires inspection of the HPC cone shaft and repair of affected parts, if needed. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPC cone shaft, which could lead to uncontained engine failure and damage to the airplane.
AD 2016-02-04 · published Jan 26, 2016, effective Mar 1, 2016
CFM International S.A. Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CFM International S.A. (CFM) CFM56-5B series turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a corrected lifing analysis by the engine manufacturer that shows the need to identify an initial and repetitive inspection threshold for certain part number (P/N) turbine rear frames (TRFs). This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of certain P/N TRFs on the low-pressure turbine (LPT) frame assembly. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the TRF on the LPT frame assembly, which could lead to engine separation, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
