Results
2006-16-17: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain EMBRAER Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes. This AD requires determining the torque values of the screws that attach the seat tracks to the airplane, and corrective action if necessary. This AD results from a report of undertorqued screws. We are issuing this AD to prevent improper torque of those screws, which in the case of a hard landing or a high deceleration impact condition could result in damage to the seat and possible subsequent injury to the passenger.
2006-16-06: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for GE CF6-80 series turbofan engines with certain stage 1 high- pressure turbine (HPT) rotor disks. That AD currently requires an initial inspection as a qualification for the mandatory rework procedures for certain disks, and repetitive inspections only for certain disks for which the rework procedures were not required. That action also requires reworking certain disks before further flight, and removes certain CF6-80E1 series disks from service. This AD requires the same actions but shortens the compliance schedule for HPT disks that have not been previously inspected using AD 2004-04-07, which this AD supersedes. This AD results from a recent report of an uncontained failure of a stage 1 HPT disk. We are issuing this AD to detect and prevent cracks in the bottoms of the dovetail slots that could propagate to failure of the disk and cause an uncontained engine failure. DATES: Effective September 5, 2006.The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of September 5, 2006. The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of certain other publications listed in the regulations as of March 12, 2004 (69 FR 8801, February 26, 2004). We must receive any comments on this AD by October 17, 2006.
2006-16-05: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Pratt & Whitney PW4164, PW4168, and PW4168A series turbofan engines. That AD currently requires initial and repetitive torque checks for loose or broken front pylon mount bolts made from INCO 718 material and MP159 material, and initial and repetitive visual inspections of the primary mount thrust load path. This AD requires the same actions, but at reduced intervals for front pylon mount bolts made from MP159 material. This AD results from analysis by the manufacturer that the MP159 material pylon bolts do not meet the full life cycle torque check interval requirement, in a bolt-out condition. We are issuing this AD to prevent front pylon mount bolt and primary mount thrust load path failure, which could result in an engine separating from the airplane. DATES: This AD becomes effective September 8, 2006. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of September 8, 2006. The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations as of February 6, 2003 (68 FR 28, January 2, 2003).
2006-16-03: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas airplanes, identified above. This AD requires installing or replacing with improved parts, as applicable, the bonding straps between the metallic frame of the fillet and the wing leading edge ribs, on both the left and right sides of the airplane. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to reduce the potential of ignition sources inside fuel tanks in the event of a severe lightning strike, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.
2006-15-19: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation (Sikorsky) Model S-92A helicopters. This action requires, before further flight, replacing a certain main gearbox (MGB) upper main housing assembly (housing assembly) that has 2700 or more hours time-in-service (TIS) with an airworthy part. This action also requires, before further flight, revising the Airworthiness Limitations section (ALS) of the maintenance manual by establishing a new retirement life for the MGB housing assembly of 2700 hours TIS. This amendment is prompted by testing of the MGB housing assembly that resulted in premature fatigue failure due to a manufacturing process creating an oxide skin defect in the housing. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent fatigue failure of the MGB housing, loss of MGB lube oil, loss of main and tail rotor drive, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
2006-15-08: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Honeywell International Inc. TPE331 series turboprop engines with certain part numbers of Woodward fuel control unit (FCU) assemblies installed. This AD requires initial and repetitive dimensional inspections of the fuel control drive, for wear or damage. This AD results from reports of loss of the fuel control drive, leading to engine overspeed, overtorque, overtemperature, uncontained rotor failure, and asymmetric thrust in multi-engine airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent destructive overspeed that could result in uncontained rotor failure, and damage to the airplane.
2006-15-03: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) that supersedes AD 2003-13-04, which applies to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd (Pilatus) Model PC-6 airplanes. AD 2003-13-04 currently requires you to inspect the integral fuel tank wing ribs for cracks and the top and bottom wing skins for distortion, repair any cracks or distortion before further flight, and do a fuel tank ventilating system installation. Since we issued AD 2003-13-04, the FAA determined the action should also apply to all the models of the PC-6 airplanes listed in the type certificate data sheet of Type Certificate (TC) No. 7A15 that were produced in the United States through a licensing agreement between Pilatus and Fairchild Republic Company (also identified as Fairchild Industries, Fairchild Heli Porter, or Fairchild-Hiller Corporation). In addition, the intent of the applicability of AD 2003- 13-04 was to apply to all the affected serial numbers of the airplane models listed in TC No. 7A15. This AD retains all the actions of AD 2003-13-04, adds those Fairchild Republic Company airplanes to the applicability of this AD, and lists the individual specific airplane models. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the ribs of the inboard integral fuel tanks in the left and right wings, which could lead to wing failure during flight with consequent loss of control of the airplane. DATES: This AD becomes effective on August 23, 2006. As of August 15, 2003 (68 FR 37394, June 24, 2003), the Director of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-6 Service Bulletin No. 57-002, dated November 27, 2002; and Pilatus Aircraft Ltd. PC-6 Service Bulletin No. 118, dated December 1972, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
2006-13-09: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 747-400 and 747-400D series airplanes. This AD requires replacing specified tie rods of the center overhead stowage bins. This AD results from manufacturer analysis of the overhead storage bin support structure that demonstrated that the capability of certain existing tie rods does not meet emergency landing load requirements. We are issuing this AD to prevent detachment of the center overhead stowage bins during an extreme forward load event, which could cause injury to passengers and hinder emergency evacuation procedures.
2006-13-12: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) that supersedes AD 98-12-01, which applies to certain Pilatus Aircraft Ltd (Pilatus) Models PC-6, PC-6/A, PC-6/B, and PC-6/C series airplanes equipped with turbo-prop engines. Since we issued AD 98-12-01, the FAA determined the action should also apply to all the models of the PC-6 airplanes listed in the type certificate data sheet of Type Certificate (TC) No. 7A15 that were produced in the United States through a licensing agreement between Pilatus and Fairchild Republic Company (also identified as Fairchild Industries, Fairchild Heli Porter, or Fairchild-Hiller Corporation). In addition, the intent of the applicability of AD 98-12-01 was to apply to all the affected serial numbers of the airplane models listed in TC No. 7A15. This AD retains all the actions of AD 98-12-01, adds those Fairchild Republic Company airplanes to the applicability of this AD, and lists the individual specific airplane models. We are issuing this AD to prevent engine fuel starvation during maximum climb and descent caused by poor fuel tank venting with low fuel levels, which could result in a loss of engine power during critical phases of flight. DATES: This AD becomes effective on August 7, 2006. As of July 13, 1998 (63 FR 30370, June 4, 1998), the Director of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of Pilatus Service Bulletin No. PC-6-SB-171, dated October 18, 1995, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
2006-13-07: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain McDonnell Douglas Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes. That AD currently requires replacement of the upper and lower reading lights in the forward crew rest area with a redesigned light fixture. This new AD adds airplanes to the applicability of the existing AD. This AD results from a report of the old reading lights being inadvertently sent to an additional ten airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent a possible flammable condition, which could result in smoke and fire in the forward crew rest area.
2006-12-18: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Short Brothers Model SD3 airplanes. This AD requires installing additional fuel tank bonding jumpers, performing an in-place resistance check of the float switches, inspecting certain internal components of the fuel tanks, and performing related corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires revisions to the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness, and to the airplane flight manual procedures for operation during icing conditions and fuel system failures. This AD results from fuel system reviews conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent ignition sources inside the fuel tanks, which could lead to fire or explosion.
2006-12-25: The FAA adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for General Machine--Diecron, Inc. (GMD) actuator nut assembly, part number (P/N) GMD115-810029-17 and P/N GMD115-810029-23, that are installed on certain Raytheon Aircraft Company (Raytheon) (formerly Beech) airplanes that are not equipped with a hydraulic main landing gear (MLG) or modified to a hydraulic MLG. This AD requires you to determine by maintenance records check and/or inspection whether any actuator nut assembly, P/N GMD115-810029-17 or P/N GMD115-810029-23, is installed on the right main MLG actuator, and, if installed, requires you to replace it with a new actuator nut assembly, P/N GMD115-810029-23B or FAA- approved equivalent P/N. This AD results from several reports of failures of the actuator nut assembly, P/N GMD115-810029-17 and P/N GMD115-810029-23. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the actuator nut assembly for the right MLG actuator, which could result in failure of the MLG. This failure couldprevent the extension or retraction of the MLG.
2006-12-19: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Hamilton Sundstrand model 14RF-19 propellers. This AD requires replacing certain actuator yokes with improved actuator yokes. This AD results from certain propeller system actuator yoke arms breaking during flight. We are issuing this AD to prevent actuator yoke arms breaking during flight, which could cause high propeller vibration and contribute to reduced controllability of the airplane.
2006-12-11: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, and -900 series airplanes. This AD requires replacing the fuel shutoff valve wires and conduit assemblies in the left and right engine strut aft fairing areas. This AD results from a report that an operator discovered many small chafe marks and exposed shield braid on fuel shutoff wires routed through a conduit in the wing. We are issuing this AD to prevent exposed wires that could provide an ignition source in a flammable leakage zone and possibly lead to an uncontrolled fire or explosion.
2006-12-03: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain 747-100B, 747-200B, 747-200F, 747-300, 747-400, 747-400F, and 747SP series airplanes. This AD requires doing inspections of the midpivot bolt and midpivot bolt access door of the spring beam of the inboard side of the outboard struts for discrepancies, installing a placard on the midpivot bolt access door, and applicable corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports indicating that the midpivot bolt and midpivot bolt access door of the spring beam of the inboard side of the outboard struts were installed in the incorrect position. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the subject midpivot bolts and midpivot bolt access doors are installed in the correct position. If not installed in the correct position, a midpivot bolt could be overloaded and crack or fracture, which could result in the loss of the spring load path and consequent separation of the associated outboard strut and engine from the airplane.
2006-04-11 R1: The FAA is revising an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A321-111, -112, and -131 airplanes. That AD currently requires repetitive inspections to detect fatigue cracking in the area surrounding certain attachment holes of the forward pintle fittings of the main landing gear (MLG) and the actuating cylinder anchorage fittings on the inner rear spar; and repair, if necessary. That AD also provides for optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections, adds inspections of three additional mounting holes, and revises the thresholds for the currently required inspections. We issued that AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking on the inner rear spar of the wings, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. This new AD retains the requirements and revises the applicability of that AD. This AD results from the discovery of a typographical error in the applicability of that AD, which could cause the unsafe condition on an affected airplane to remain uncorrected. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking on the inner rear spar of the wings, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. DATES: Effective June 22, 2006. The incorporation by reference of the publications specified in the following table, as listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 8, 2006 (71 FR 8792, February 21, 2006). Material Incorporated by Reference Airbus service bulletin Revision level Date A320 57 1100, including Appendix 01 (1) July 28, 1997. A320 57 1100, including Appendices 01 and 02 03 January 16, 2003. A320 57 1101 03 July 30, 2003. A320 57 1101 04 November 22, 2004. 1 Original. The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57- 1101, Revision 02, dated October 25, 2001, as listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director ofthe Federal Register as of April 21, 2004 (69 FR 17906, April 6, 2004). The incorporation by reference of Airbus Service Bulletin A320-57- 1101, dated July 24, 1997, as listed in the regulations, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 18, 1998 (63 FR 66753, December 3, 1998). We must receive comments on this AD by August 7, 2006.
2006-12-07: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Lycoming Engines (formerly Textron Lycoming) models 320, 360, and 540 series, "Parallel Valve" reciprocating engines, with certain Engine Components Inc. (ECi) cylinder assemblies, part number (P/N) AEL65102 series "Classic Cast", installed. That AD currently requires replacing these ECi cylinder assemblies. This AD requires the same actions, but replaces the "Engine Models" Table 1 and "Engines Installed On, But Not Limited To" Table 2 with corrected tables. Also, this AD corrects the casting part number. This AD results from reports of applicability errors found in AD 2005-26-10. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of engine power due to cracks in the cylinder assemblies and possible engine failure caused by separation of a cylinder head.
2006-11-10: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-120, -120ER, -120FC, -120QC, and -120RT airplanes. This AD requires replacing the de-icing system ejector flow control valves with new, improved control valves having hermetically sealed switches; and rewiring applicable connectors. This AD results from a fuel system review conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent a potential source of ignition near a fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion and consequent loss of the airplane.
2006-11-06: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Boeing Model 767-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires replacing the placards on certain stowage bins with new placards, installing partial dividers in certain other stowage bins, and installing straps on stowage bins containing life rafts. For certain airplanes, this AD also requires related concurrent actions. This AD results from test data indicating that outboard overhead stowage bins are unable to withstand the 4.5g down-load standard intended to protect passengers during flight turbulence or a hard landing. We are issuing this AD to prevent the stowage bins from opening during flight turbulence or a hard landing, which could result in the contents of the stowage bins falling onto the passenger seats below and injuring passengers, or blocking the aisles, impeding the evacuation of passengers in an emergency.
2006-11-04: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321 airplanes. The existing AD currently requires a one-time ultrasonic inspection for certain airplanes, and repetitive detailed inspections for all airplanes, for cracking in the forward lug of the support rib 5 fitting of both main landing gear (MLG), and repair if necessary. The existing AD also provides for optional terminating actions. This AD removes the requirement for the one-time ultrasonic inspection and reduces the compliance time and repetitive interval for the detailed inspection of all airplanes. This AD also adds certain Airbus Model A318 airplanes to the applicability. This AD continues to provide optional terminating action for certain airplanes, as well as other optional methods of complying with the AD's requirements. This AD results from a new crack that was found in the forward lug of the MLG support rib 5 fitting. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking in the forward lug of the MLG, which could result in failure of the lug and consequent collapse of the MLG during takeoff or landing.
2006-10-07: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Hamilton Sundstrand model 14RF-9 propellers. This AD requires visual, feeler gage, and tap test inspections of certain serial number (SN) propeller blades of the "+E'' repair configuration for blade delamination, and removing the blade from service if the blade fails inspection. This AD also requires removing those serial-numbered propeller blades from service by March 1, 2007. This AD results from reports of delaminated blade fiberglass repair patches that allowed corrosion to form on the aluminum blade spar under the patch. We are issuing this AD to prevent blade failure that could result in separation of a propeller blade and loss of control of the airplane.
2006-10-14: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain McDonnell Douglas transport category airplanes. This AD requires an inspection to determine the part number of the upper and lower stop pad support fittings of all the lower cargo doors, repetitive inspections of all early configuration stop pad support fittings, and corrective action if necessary. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from a report of cracks found in the area of the upper and lower stop pad support fittings of the cargo door pan on numerous airplanes. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracks in the cargo door pan, which could result in the inability to fully pressurize an airplane, possible pressure loss, or possible rapid decompression of the airplane.
2006-10-11: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Model A310-200 and -300 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking of the flap transmission shafts, and replacing the transmission shafts if necessary. This AD also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD results from reports of longitudinal cracks due to stress corrosion in the transmission shafts between the power control unit (PCU) and the torque limiters of the flap transmission system. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking of the flap transmission shaft, which could compromise shaft structural integrity and lead to a disabled flap transmission shaft and reduced controllability of the airplane.
2006-10-09: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-120, -120ER, -120FC, -120QC, and -120RT airplanes in operation. This AD requires replacing the protective tubes and conduits of the wiring harnesses of the refueling vent and pilot valves with non-conductive hoses; modifying the harness wiring and supports; and rerouting the harnesses to prevent interference with adjacent strobe light connectors; as applicable. This AD results from a fuel system review conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent a potential source of ignition near a fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion.
2006-10-06: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 and 440) airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of the manufacturer's date code on certain electrical relays to identify defective Leach TDH- series electrical relays and replacement of identified relays. This AD results from a report of defective electrical relays affecting emergency equipment. We are issuing this AD to prevent the malfunction of emergency equipment (the passenger oxygen system, the thrust reverse control system, and the auxiliary power unit fire detection, warning, and extinguishing system) during an emergency.