Results
2004-01-51: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2004-01-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of the specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) model helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, before further flight, for helicopters with less than 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) since installing a main or combiner gearbox received from Eurocopter Marignane, France, replacing these affected gearboxes with appropriate airworthy gearboxes received from another source. This action is prompted by a report of a free wheel unit slipping during the single engine phase of an acceptance flight that resulted in an engine overspeed and an engine shutdown. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent engine overspeed, an engine shut-down, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
2004-04-04: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for General Electric Company (GE) CF34-8E series turbofan engines, with certain serial number (SN) master variable geometry (VG) actuators installed. This AD requires initial and repetitive reviews of the airplane computer systems for master VG actuator fault messages. This AD also requires replacement of actuators reported faulty by the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC). This AD results from nine reports of CF34-8C master VG actuator electrical signal faults, one report of which was a dual-channel fault, resulting in the FADEC commanding the engine power to idle. We are issuing this AD to prevent VG master actuator dual-channel electrical signal faults which will cause an uncommanded reduction of thrust to idle with a subsequent loss of the ability to advance thrust above idle; and which could result in a multi-engine loss of thrust if dual-channel faults occur on more than one engine simultaneously.
2004-03-36: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Dornier Model 328-100 series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of certain engine control cables to determine the batch number on the end fitting, and replacement of affected cables with new cables. This action is necessary to prevent failure of defective engine control cables, which could result in loss of the engine controls, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
2004-04-02: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, that requires replacing the dual shuttle valve in the number 2 hydraulic system with a new, improved valve. This action is necessary to prevent failure of the dual shuttle valve in the number 2 hydraulic system, with reduced maximum elevator rate on the left side, which could result in pilot-induced pitch oscillation and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
2004-03-32: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The New Piper Aircraft, Inc. (Piper) Model PA-46-500TP airplanes. This AD requires you to replace all electronic control modules in the airplane electrical system with newly designed modules. This AD is the result of smoke in the cockpit and loss of electrical systems function. We are issuing this AD to prevent short circuit failure and electrical arcing of the electronic control modules, which could result in loss of the electrical systems components or burning of wiring insulation and cause smoke in the cockpit. This condition could lead to the inability to properly control the airplane.
2004-04-03: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737 series airplanes, that currently requires a one-time general visual inspection of the seat locks and seat tracks of the flightcrew seats to ensure that the seats lock in position and to verify that lock nuts and bolts of adequate length are installed on the rear track lock bracket, and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment revises the applicability of the existing AD by adding airplanes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent uncommanded movement of the flightcrew seats during acceleration and take-off of the airplane, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
2004-03-27: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) model helicopters that requires inspecting the bevel gear for a crack using a borescope. This amendment is prompted by a crack that was detected on a bevel gear during a main gearbox teardown inspection. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the bevel gear, loss of torque to the main rotor system, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
2004-03-09: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Boeing Model 747-100, 747-100B, 747-100B SUD, 747-200B, 747-200F, 747-200C, 747-300, 747SR, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for discrepancies of the structure near and common to the upper chord and splice fittings of the rear spar of the wing, and repair if necessary. This AD also provides for an optional modification that, if accomplished, terminates the repetitive inspection requirement, but would necessitate eventual post-modification inspections. This action is necessary to find and fix fatigue cracking of structure near and common to the upper chord and splice fittings of the rear spar of the wing, which could result in loss of structural integrity of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
2004-03-21: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model 717-200 airplanes, that requires inspection of the inboard ends of the outer skin panels of the horizontal stabilizer at Station Xh=7.234 for material defects, and corrective action, if necessary. This action is necessary to detect material defects in the inboard ends of the outer skin panels of the horizontal stabilizer, which could lead to cracks and an associated loss of strength in the attachments, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the horizontal stabilizer. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
2004-03-29: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Pacific Aerospace Corporation, Ltd. Models FU24-954 and FU24A-954 airplanes. This AD requires you to perform repetitive detailed visual inspections of the forward vertical fin base for cracks. If any cracks or discrepancies are found, you must repair the structure before further flight and notify the FAA. This AD is the result of mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) issued by the airworthiness authority for New Zealand. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the vertical fin base, which could result in loss of the fin and loss of aircraft control.