25 Airworthiness Directives: 17 airplane, 4 rotorcraft, 4 engine.
AD 2016-02-05 · published Feb 2, 2016, effective Mar 8, 2016
Bombardier, Inc. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier, Inc. Model BD-100-1A10 (Challenger 300) airplanes. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of a short circuit between the heater element and the metal sheath of the pitot-static probe heater. This AD requires replacement of the left and right pitot-static probes with newly redesigned left and right pitot-static probes. We are issuing this AD to prevent degradation of the heating ability of the pitot- static probe heater, resulting in erroneous airspeed indication during flight in icing conditions and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
AD 2016-01-10 · published Feb 4, 2016, effective Mar 10, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-20-14, for all Airbus Model A300 B4-2C, B4-103, and B4-203 airplanes; and all Airbus Model A300 B4-600, B4-600R, and F4-600R series airplanes. AD 2004-20-14 required repetitive inspections to detect cracking of the splice fitting at fuselage frame (FR) 47 between stringers 24 and 26 (left- and right-hand sides), and corrective actions if necessary. This new AD reduces the inspection compliance time and repetitive inspection intervals, and adds Airbus Model A300 C4-605R Variant F airplanes to the applicability. This AD was prompted by a determination that the inspection compliance time and repetitive inspection interval must be reduced to allow timely detection of cracks in the splice fitting at fuselage FR 47. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the splice fitting at fuselage FR 47; such cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2016-03-01 · published Feb 4, 2016, effective Mar 10, 2016
the Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-100, -200, -200C, -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a crack of the forward leg of the left front spar lower chord and cracks on the lower wing skin at three fastener holes common to the nacelle outboard side load fitting. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracks on the front spar lower chord, inspar skin, and wing skin, and corrective action if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the forward leg of the front spar lower chord, inspar skin, and wing skin common to the nacelle outboard side load fitting, which could adversely affect the structural integrity of the wing.
AD 2016-03-06 · published Feb 17, 2016, effective Mar 23, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2012-18-05 for The Boeing Company Model DC-9-10, DC-9-20, DC-9-30, DC-9-40, and DC-9- 50 series airplanes; and Model DC-9-81 (MD-81), DC-9-82 (MD-82), DC-9- 83 (MD-83), DC-9-87 (MD-87), MD-88, and MD-90-30 airplanes; equipped with a center wing fuel tank and Boeing original equipment manufacturer-installed auxiliary fuel tanks. AD 2012-18-05 required adding design features to detect electrical faults and to detect a pump running in an empty fuel tank. Since we issued AD 2012-18-05, we have determined that it is necessary to clarify the actions for airplanes on which the auxiliary fuel tanks are removed. This new AD allows certain actions as optional methods of compliance. This AD was prompted by our determination that it is necessary to clarify the actions for airplanes on which the auxiliary fuel tanks are removed. We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
AD 2016-04-01 · published Feb 18, 2016, effective Mar 4, 2016
Airbus Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2015-26-02 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. AD 2015-26-02 required, for certain airplanes, identification of the part number, serial number, and standard of the ram air turbine (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, AD 2015-26-02 required re- identification or replacement of the RAT module. This new AD requires the same actions as AD 2015-26-02. This new AD was prompted by a report of a typographical error in the regulatory text of AD 2015-26-02. 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 loss of control of the airplane.
AD 2016-04-02 · published Feb 18, 2016, effective Mar 24, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-26-10, which applied to certain The Boeing Company Model 747-200C, -200F, - 400, -400D, and -400F series airplanes. AD 2010-26-10 required repetitive inspections for cracking of the lap joints, modification of certain lap joints, and certain post-repair inspections of the lap joints. This new AD adds new repetitive post-modification inspections for cracking in the lap joints, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) which indicated that certain lap joints are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD). We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking in certain lap joints, which could result in rapid depressurization and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2016-04-03 · published Feb 18, 2016, effective Mar 24, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 747-400F series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an analysis of the production methods used to increase fatigue resistance of the upper closure fittings at the nose cargo door portal's C-3 frame, which showed that cracking could start too early to be caught in a timely manner by the inspection or maintenance program. This AD requires inspections of the upper closure fitting and connected strap and doubler at the nose cargo door portal for cracking, and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct such cracking, which could result in sudden decompression and loss of the airplane's structural integrity.
AD 2016-04-05 · published Feb 18, 2016, effective Mar 24, 2016
B-N Group Ltd. Airplanes
We are superseding an airworthiness directive (AD) 2014-03-18 for B-N Group Ltd. Models BN-2, BN-2A, BN-2A-2, BN-2A-3, BN-2A-6, BN- 2A-8, BN-2A-9, BN-2A-20, BN-2A-21, BN-2A-26, BN-2A-27, BN-2B-20, BN-2B- 21, BN-2B-26, BN-2B-27, BN2A MK. III, BN2A MK. III-2, and BN2A MK. III- 3 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 damage of the cable sliding end assembly and installation of the incorrect end fitting on engine control cable assemblies. We are issuing this AD to require actions to address the unsafe condition on these products.
AD 2016-04-07 · published Feb 22, 2016, effective Mar 28, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 767 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracking at a central part of the structure. This AD requires repetitive inspections of the skin hidden by the upper and lower splice fittings on both sides of the fuselage, and corrective action if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the hidden fuselage skin and cracking, corrosion, and other damage to the splice fittings and adjacent visible fuselage skin and structure that could lead to loss of a primary load path between the fuselage and the wing box, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane.
AD 2016-04-08 · published Feb 23, 2016, effective Mar 9, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This AD requires revising the maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to include an airworthiness limitation for repetitive inspections of the web fastener holes in the overwing flex-tees. This AD was prompted by a report that certain web fastener holes in the overwing flex-tees at the wing-to- body interface might not have been deburred properly when manufactured. Fastener holes without the deburr chamfer applied can develop fatigue cracking. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the web fastener holes in the overwing flex-tees, which can weaken the primary wing structure so it cannot sustain limit load.
AD 2016-04-06 · published Feb 26, 2016, effective Apr 1, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a determination that a repetitive test is needed to inspect the components on airplanes equipped with a certain air distribution system configuration. This AD requires doing repetitive testing for correct operation of the equipment cooling system and low pressure environmental control system, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires, for certain airplanes, installing new relays and doing wiring changes to the environmental control system. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct latent failures of the equipment cooling system and low pressure environmental control system, which, in combination with a cargo fire event, could result in smoke in the flight deck and/or main cabin, and possible loss of aircraft control.
AD 2016-04-10 · published Feb 26, 2016, effective Apr 1, 2016
ATR-GIE Avions de Transport Régional Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain ATR--GIE Avions de Transport R[eacute]gional Model ATR42-500 airplanes, and Model ATR72-102, -202, -212, and -212A airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of chafed wires between electrical harnesses. This AD requires inspections for wire discrepancies, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct damaged wiring and incorrect installation of the wiring harness and adjacent air ducts that could lead to wire harness chafing and arcing, possibly resulting in an on-board fire.
AD 2016-04-17 · published Feb 26, 2016, effective Apr 1, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 777-200 series airplanes. This AD was prompted by an evaluation by the design approval holder (DAH) indicating that the skin lap splices at certain stringers in certain fuselage sections are subject to widespread fatigue damage (WFD) on aging Model 777 airplanes that have accumulated at least 45,000 total flight cycles. This AD requires inspections to detect cracking of fuselage skin lap splices in certain fuselage sections, and corrective actions if necessary; modification of left-side and right-side lap splices; and post-modification repetitive inspections for cracks in the modified lap splices, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the skin lap splices, and consequent risk of sudden decompression and the inability to sustain limit flight and pressure loads.
AD 2016-04-19 · published Feb 26, 2016, effective Mar 14, 2016
Airbus Defense and Space S.A. (Formerly Known as Construcciones Aeronauticas, S.A.) Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Defense and Space S.A. Model CN-235, CN-235-100, CN-235-200, CN- 235-300, and C-295 airplanes. This AD requires a general visual inspection of the rudder control system to confirm correct alignment and installation of the adjustment device, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by a report of disconnection of the kinematic chain from the co-pilot rudder pedals to the rudder control bars located under the cockpit floor; subsequent investigation revealed that the failure was caused by disconnection of the pedal adjustment device from the adjustment actuator. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct incorrect alignment and incorrect installation of the adjustment device, which could lead to loss of the rudder control from the affected side and possibly result in reduced control of the airplane.
AD 2016-04-22 · published Feb 29, 2016, effective Apr 4, 2016
Fokker Services B.V. Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Fokker Services B.V. Model F.27 Mark 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, and 700 airplanes. This AD was prompted by a design review conducted by Fokker Services B.V. that indicated no controlled bonding provisions were present on many critical locations outside the fuel tank or connected to the fuel tank wall. This AD requires installing the additional bonding provisions, and revising the 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 2016-04-23 · published Feb 29, 2016, effective Mar 15, 2016
The Boeing Company Airplanes
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 787-8 airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the station 337 (door number 1) outboard partitions for a tie rod and quick release pins, and to ensure that both partition supports are engaged in the structural bracket at each outboard partition, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of missing right and left outboard partition tie rods at door number 1. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct partitions with missing tie rods or release pins or with supports that are not engaged in the structural bracket. These partitions could come loose during a high-acceleration event and strike the flight attendant seats in the door 1 location, causing serious injury to the seat occupants, or could affect safe egress from the airplane.
AD 2016-04-24 · published Feb 29, 2016, effective Apr 4, 2016
The Boeing Company Model 757-200 Series Airplanes Modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) ST01529SE or STC ST02278SE
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757-200 series airplanes modified by particular STCs. This AD was prompted by reports of a main cargo door being blown past its full open position while on the ground during gusty wind conditions, which resulted in uncontrolled fall down to its closed position. This AD requires installing a new placard and bracket, replacing an existing placard, and replacing the main cargo door control panel. We are issuing this AD to prevent damage to the main cargo door, which could result in rapid decompression of the airplane, or injury to maintenance and ground crew during ground operations.
AD 2015-22-51 · published Feb 1, 2016, effective Feb 16, 2016
Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109A and A109AII helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD requires checking and inspecting each main rotor blade (blade) for a crack and replacing any cracked blade before further flight. This AD is prompted by abnormal vibrations leading to a precautionary landing and a post-flight inspection finding of a crack in a blade. These actions are intended to detect a crack in a blade and prevent failure of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2016-02-06 · published Feb 2, 2016, effective Feb 2, 2016
Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Limited (Bell) Model 429 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting each tail rotor (T/R) pitch link (link) bearing bore for corrosion and pitting and either replacing the T/R link or applying sealant. This AD also requires a recurring inspection of the sealant and repeating the inspections for corrosion and pitting if any sealant is missing. This AD is prompted by an incident in which a helicopter experienced an in-flight failure of a T/R link. These actions are intended to detect corrosion or pitting and to prevent failure of a T/R link and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2016-03-05 · published Feb 9, 2016, effective Feb 24, 2016
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
We are superseding airworthiness directive (AD) 2014-13-01 for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters with a certain Goodrich rescue hoist damper unit (damper unit) installed. AD 2014-13-01 required repairing or replacing the damper unit or deactivating the rescue hoist. AD 2014-13-01 was prompted by a report of an uncommanded detachment of a damper unit from the cable. This new AD retains the optional requirement of deactivating the rescue hoist, expands the applicability, and requires either replacing or modifying the damper unit with a newly developed single- piece retainer. These actions are intended to prevent the hoist damper unit detaching from the cable resulting in loss of an external load or person from the helicopter hoist and injury to persons being lifted by the hoist.
AD 2016-04-15 · published Feb 25, 2016, effective Mar 31, 2016
MD Helicopters Inc., Helicopters
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for MD Helicopters, Inc. (MDHI), Model 369A, 369D, 369E, 369FF, 369HE, 369HM, 369HS, 500N, and 600N helicopters with a certain part-numbered main rotor blade attach pin (pin) installed. This AD requires ensuring the life limit of the pin as listed in the Airworthiness Limitations section of aircraft maintenance records and Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA). If the hours time-in-service (TIS) of a pin is unknown, or if a pin has exceeded its life limit, this AD requires removing the affected pin from service. This AD was prompted by a report from an operator who purchased pins that did not have life limit documentation. These actions are intended to document the life limit to prevent a pin remaining in service beyond its fatigue life, which could result in failure of a pin, failure of a main rotor blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
AD 2016-03-02 · published Feb 9, 2016, effective Mar 15, 2016
Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Turbomeca S.A. ARRIEL 2C, 2C1, 2C2, 2S1, and 2S2 turboshaft engines with modification TU34 or TU34A installed. This AD requires inspecting the torque conformation box (TCB) for correct resistance values and removing TCBs that fail inspection before further flight. This AD was prompted by TCB failures. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the TCB, loss of engine thrust control, and damage to the helicopter.
AD 2016-03-04 · published Feb 9, 2016, effective Mar 15, 2016
Rolls-Royce plc Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Rolls-Royce plc (RR) RB211-535E4-37, RB211-535E4-B-37, and RB211-535E4- C-37 turbofan engines. This AD requires recalculating the cyclic life for certain engine life-limited rotating parts and removing those parts that have exceeded their cyclic life limit within specified compliance times. This AD was prompted by a review of operational data that determined certain RR RB211-535E4-37 engines have been operated to a more severe flight profile than is consistent with the flight profile used to establish the cyclic life limits for the rotating parts. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of life-limited rotating parts, uncontained parts release, damage to the engine, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2016-04-11 · published Feb 26, 2016, effective Apr 1, 2016
General Electric Company Turbofan Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all General Electric Company (GE) GEnx-1B54, -1B58, -1B64, -1B67, and -1B70 turbofan engine models. This AD was prompted by reports of two separate, single engine in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs) caused by high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 blade failure. This AD requires inspection and conditional removal of affected HPT rotor stage 1 blades. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the HPT rotor stage 1 blades, which could lead to failure of one or more engines, loss of thrust control, and damage to the airplane.
AD 2016-04-14 · published Feb 26, 2016, effective Apr 1, 2016
Turbomeca S.A. Turboshaft Engines
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Turbomeca S.A. Arriel 1E2 turboshaft engines. This AD requires removing the tachometer box on affected engines. This AD was prompted by reports of uncommanded in-flight shutdowns (IFSDs). We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the tachometer box, which could lead to failure of the engine, IFSD, and loss of control of the helicopter.
