Results
97-19-05: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes. This amendment requires replacement of the ignition exciter in the auxiliary power unit (APU) with a part that is designed to operate better in cold weather. This amendment is prompted by two occurrences of the APU failing to start after flight in cold soak conditions. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such APU failure, which could result in the inability of the APU to restart the engines in the event both engines quit operating during flight.
92-16-05: 92-16-05 SAAB-SCANIA: Amendment 39-8314. Docket No. 92-NM-54-AD. Applicability: Model SAAB 340B series airplanes; serial numbers 240 through 299, inclusive; airplanes, certificated in any category. Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent the accumulation of ice and subsequent reduced controllability of the airplane and stall margins, accomplish the following: (a) Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, modify the stabilizer de-icer boot system in accordance with SAAB-SCANIA Service Bulletin 340-30-039, dated December 16, 1991. (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Standardization Branch, ANM-113, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Standardization Branch. NOTE: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Standardization Branch. (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) The modification shall be done in accordance with SAAB-SCANIA Service Bulletin 340-30-039, dated December 16, 1991. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be obtained from SAAB-SCANIA AB, Product Support, S-581.88, Linkoping, Sweden. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 1100 L Street NW., Room 8401, Washington, DC. (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 8, 1992.
62-27-03: 62-27-03 CURTISS-WRIGHT: Amdt. 525 Part 507 Federal Register December 28, 1962. Applies to all C-46 Series aircraft which have rudder assemblies P/N 20-140-5110 installed. Compliance required as indicated. A recent inflight failure of the rudder spring tab rod terminal resulted in the free flutter of the rudder spring tab which forced the rudder to oscillate. To preclude the failure of this rod terminal and the resulting loss of control of the aircraft, the following shall be accomplished: (a) (1) Aircraft with less than 10,000 hours' time in service shall be inspected in accordance with (b) prior to the accumulation of 10,200 hours' time in service and thereafter every 400 hours' time in service. (2) Aircraft with 10,000 or more hours' time in service shall be inspected in accordance with (b) within 200 hours' time in service after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished within the last 200 hours' time in service, and thereafter every 400hours' time in service from the last inspection. (b) (1) Remove the clevis, P/N 20-530-5133-2, and AN 316-5R nut from the rudder spring tab rod assembly, P/N 20-530-5134-1. (2) Inspect for cracks in the shoulder and threaded shank of the rod terminal, P/N 20-530-5132-2, using a dye penetrant, magnetic particle, or an FAA approved equivalent inspection method in conjunction with at least a 5-power magnifying glass. (3) Replace cracked rod terminals, P/N 20-530-5132-2, prior to further flight. (c) Rod terminals, P/N 20-530-5132-2, or rod assembly, P/N 20-530-5134-1, having zero or a known time in service not exceeding 5,000 hours, may be installed in compliance with (b)(3). Such parts shall be inspected and replaced in accordance with the following: (1) Parts having less than 4,800 hours' time in service shall be inspected in accordance with paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) prior to the accumulation of 5,000 hours and thereafter every 400 hours' time in service.(2) Parts having 4,800 or more hours' time in service shall be inspected in accordance with paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) within the next 200 hours' time in service and thereafter every 400 hours' time in service. (3) Cracked parts shall be replaced prior to further flight. (d) The inspection required by paragraph (b) is no longer required when rod assembly, P/N 20530-5134-1, is replaced with a new Component Air, Inc., rod assembly, P/N CAI-46003-1, or with an FAA approved rod terminal and clevis, or a rod assembly incorporating a clevis with 3/8-24 UNF or 7/16-20 UNF threads. (e) Upon request of the operator, an FAA maintenance inspector, subject to prior approval of the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, FAA Southern Region, may adjust the repetitive inspection intervals specified in this AD to permit compliance at an established inspection period of the operator if the request contains substantiating data to justify the increase for such operator. This directive effective January 29, 1963.
2012-03-09: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Model 747SP series airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a rudder hard-over event on a Model 747-400 series airplane, caused by a rudder power control module (PCM) manifold cracking and separating in the area of the yaw damper cavity end-cap. This condition could result in a hard-over of the rudder surface leading to an increase in pilot workload and a possible high-speed runway excursion upon landing, in the event of failure of the lower or upper rudder PCM manifold. This AD requires replacing or modifying the upper and lower rudder PCMs. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
97-19-01: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of the hydraulic tubes and electrical harness wires of the wing rear access door for chafing, leakage, or wear damage; repair of any discrepancy found; and modification of the wing rear access door. This amendment is prompted by reports of interference between the wing rear access door and the hydraulic tubes and electrical harnesses, and chafing damage to the hydraulic tubes. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such interference or chafing damage, which could lead to failure of the number 2 hydraulic system or loss of certain electrical and landing systems, and resultant reduced controllability of the airplane.
97-19-03: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Boeing Model 737 series airplanes, that currently requires an inspection to determine whether the bearings of the tracklock bracket assemblies of the pilot and co-pilot seats are secure, modification of loose bearings, and marking of the seat identification labels. This AD requires a visual inspection to determine whether the modification and marking of the crew seats were accomplished; and, if not, accomplishment of these actions, which constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. This amendment is prompted by a report indicating that a first officer's crew seat on an in-service airplane failed to lock horizontally. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent the captain and first officer crew seats from sliding freely on the track, which could result in uncommanded movement of the seats and reduced controllability of the airplane.
85-09-03: 85-09-03 LOCKHEED-CALIFORNIA COMPANY: Amendment 39-5056. Applies to Lockheed Model L-1011 series airplanes equipped with RB211-22B engines, certificated in all categories. Compliance required as indicated, unless previously accomplished. To minimize the potential fire hazard in the event of fire damage to the engine fuel supply line from uncontained gearbox fires, accomplish the following: A. Revise the FAA approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), LR-25925, within 15 calendar days after receipt of this airworthiness directive by incorporation of the emergency engine inflight shutdown procedure whenever there is a rapid decrease of engine oil quantity indication, as follows: SECTION 2 - EMERGENCIES Rapidly Decreasing Engine Oil Quantity Indication. If engine oil quantity indication decreases at an abnormally high rate requiring engine shutdown, assume a failure exists in the accessory gearbox and shutdown the engine as follows: Throttle close Fuel and ignition switch close Fuel tank valve close NOTE: If APU is required, and the No. 2 engine has been shutdown, pull circuit breakers 1L16 and 1L17 to protect hydraulic pump, then pull No. 2 engine fire handle, then open No. 2 tank valve. (If hydraulic quantity decreases, reset CB 1L16 and 1L17 to isolate hydraulic pump and stop fluid loss.) B. A copy of this AD inserted in the AFM may be considered as an acceptable means of compliance. C. Alternate means of compliance which provide an acceptable level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, Northwest Mountain Region. All persons affected by this directive who have not already received these documents from the manufacturer may obtain copies upon request to Lockheed-California Company, P.O. Box 551, Burbank, California 91520, Attention: Commercial Support Contracts, Dept. 63-11, U-33, B-1. These documents may also be examined at the FAA, Northwest Mountain Region, 17900 Pacific Highway South, Seattle, Washington, or the Los Angeles Aircraft Certification Office, 4344 Donald Douglas Drive, Long Beach, California. This amendment becomes effective May 20, 1985.
2012-02-10: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for all CPAC, Inc. (type certificate formerly held by Commander Aircraft Corporation, Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation, and Rockwell International) Models 112, 112B, 112TC, 112TCA, 114, 114A, 114B, and 114TC airplanes. That AD currently requires a one-time inspection of the elevator spar for cracks and, if any crack is found, either replace with a serviceable elevator spar that is found free of cracks or repair/modify the elevator spar with an FAA-approved method. That AD also requires reporting to the FAA the results of the inspection. Since we issued that AD, using the data collected through the reporting requirement, we have determined there is a need for continued inspections. This new AD requires repetitive inspections of the elevator spar for cracks and, if any crack is found, either replacing with a serviceable elevator spar that is free of any cracks and/or corrosion or repairing/modifying the elevator spar with an FAA-approved procedure. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
97-18-03: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Puritan-Bennett Aero Systems Co. (Puritan-Bennett) cone and seal assemblies, part numbers 210543 and 210543-01, that were manufactured or repaired from August 1996 through July 1997. This AD applies to cone and seal assemblies regardless of whether or not they are attached to certain Puritan-Bennett sweep-on crew masks. The AD requires replacing any cone and seal assembly manufactured or repaired during the above time frame. This AD results from quality control tests that show that these cone and seal assemblies could have faulty ultrasonic welds. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the ultrasonic weld on the cone and seal assembly of the oxygen mask with consequent reduced oxygen flow through the mask, which could result in the crew not being able to obtain oxygen in an emergency situation.
96-23-07 R1: This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain McDonnell Douglas Model DC-9-80 series airplanes and Model MD-88 airplanes, that currently requires visual/dye penetrant and ultrasonic inspections to detect cracks in the vertical leg of the rear spar lower cap of the wings, and various follow-on actions. This amendment is prompted by the necessity to provide the current address of the FAA office that receives the results of reporting requirements of this AD. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking in the vertical leg of the rear spar lower cap of the wing, which, if not detected and corrected in a timely manner, could result in loss of the spar cap, and consequent damage to the spar cap web and adjacent wing skin structure; this condition could lead to reduced structural integrity of the wing.
2021-14-11: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) CF6-80A and CF6-80C2 model turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by an inspection by the manufacturer that revealed cracking of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) rotor stage 1 disk. This AD requires visual inspection and fluorescent penetrant inspection (FPI) of the HPT thermal shield and, if cracking is detected, removal from service of the HPT thermal shield, HPT rotor stage 1 disk and HPT rotor stage 2 disk. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2012-02-03: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain CFM International, S.A. model CFM56-5B series turbofan engines. This AD was prompted by a normal quality sampling at CFM International, S.A. that isolated a production batch of fan blades with nonconforming geometry of mid-span shroud tips of the fan blades. This AD requires removing from service certain serial number (S/N) fan blades. We are issuing this AD to prevent an inflight shutdown (IFSD) of one or more engines following foreign object damage (FOD) or a bird strike.
97-11-51 R1: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Pratt & Whitney PW2000 series turbofan engines. This action revises telegraphic AD T97-11-51 that currently supersedes AD 97-09-01 by correcting errors in the Serial Number (S/N) tables, and removing the McDonnell Douglas C-17 aircraft from the applicability section, as a different model engine is installed on McDonnell Douglas C-17 aircraft. In addition, that telegraphic AD clarifies that inspections must be performed prior to rework, and clarifies that new parts do not need to be reworked prior to installation, but must be reworked at the next shop visit. Finally, that telegraphic AD makes minor editorial changes for clarity without changing meaning or intent. This action relaxes the compliance intervals for rework and provides relieving requirements. This amendment is prompted by industry input and resulting changes by the manufacturer to the inspection program that would provide relief tooperators while maintaining an equivalent level of safety. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent fracture of the first stage high pressure turbine (HPT) disk, resulting in a possible uncontained engine failure and damage to the aircraft.
97-15-07: This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 97-15-07, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Aeromot-Industria Mecanico Metalurgica Ltda. (Aeromot) Model AMT-200 powered sailplanes. This AD requires immediately inspecting, using non-destructive testing (NDT) methods, the forward horizontal stabilizer front bolt, P/N 53451, for defects (scratches, damaged threads, or surface cracks, etc.), and replacing the bolt immediately if found defective or at a certain time period if not found defective. This AD was the result of a failure of the forward horizontal stabilizer bolt, part number (P/N) 53451, on one of the affected powered sailplanes. This failure was caused by a low cycle fatigue crack that was induced by over torquing the bolt. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the forward horizontal stabilizer bolt, which could result in separation of the horizontal stabilizer from the powered sailplane and consequent loss of control.
58-05-03: 58-05-03 VICKERS: Applies to All Viscount 700 Series Aircraft. Compliance required as indicated. In accordance with the British Air Registration Board's list of "Essential Modifications and Inspections", compliance with the following Vickers-Armstrong corrective measures is considered mandatory. The FAA concurs and considers compliance therewith mandatory. Compliance provisions are detailed in the Vickers publications referenced in each item. A. MODIFICATION ELEVATOR AND RUDDER CONTROL LOCKS. To insure freedom of movement over the complete range of travel of the gust lock lever, install special shoulder greaser bolts in accordance with Mod. D.1421 to prevent over-tightening of the nut securing the lock lever. Also, on elevator gust lock unit P/N A.1949-1 chamfer the sides of the slotted recess in accordance with TNS No. 64, issue 2. Compliance required by April 15, 1958. B. CONNECTION OF A.C. PHASE TRANSFORMER. Mod. D.1677 revises the electrical circuit, placing transformers on the input side of the circuit breakers to prevent feed back through the primary of A.C. phases transformers. (This is further to Mod. D.1513.) Compliance required by April 15, 1958. C. REDISTRIBUTION OF BUS-BAR SUPPLIES TO PITOT HEAD HEATERS. By supplying the heaters from different bus-bars, complete loss of pitot-head deicing due to failure of one bus-bar is prevented. Mod. D.2019 covers this subject. Compliance required by September 15, 1958. D. INSPECTION AND MODIFICATION OF ELEVATOR ANTI-BALANCE TAB MECHANISM. To prevent over-center jamming of the elevator anti-balance tab mechanism, PTL No. 160 prescribes precautionary checks of the tab mechanism maximum travel as well as modifying the link. (PTL No. 160 and Mod. D.2239 cover this subject.) Compliance required by April 15, 1958. E. IMPROVE THE LOCKING OF THE FORWARD ELEVATOR AND AILERON LEVER GROUP AT COCKPIT STATION 53 AND AILERON LEVER GROUP AT FUSELAGE STATION 462.68. To prevent lost movement in the aileron control system and possible loosening of the aileron bellcrank level, Mod. D.2091 introduces new fittings and attachment means. Compliance with PTL No. 141 or Mod. D.2091 required by April 15, 1958. F. INCREASE CUT-OUT IN PILOTS FLOOR FOR ELEVATOR CONTROL CLEARANCE. Mod. D.2120 increases size of cutaway in pilots floor area to eliminate fouling of elevator rod attachment bolt when incorrectly assembled. Compliance with PTL No. 140 or Mod. D.2120 required by July 15, 1958. G. FAIRLEADS FOR ELEVATOR TRIM TAB CHAIN AT FRAME STATION 783. In order to preclude jamming of the elevator trim tab chain where it passes through the frame Station 783, a fairlead Vickers drawing No. 70152, P/N's 1205, 1207, and 1209, should be installed at the cutaway in the frame in accordance with Vickers Mod. D.1602. Compliance required by April 15, 1958. H. INSPECTION OF TYPE S.1, S.2 AND S.4 RELAYS. To prevent shorting of relays due to loosening ofthe securing screws on the armature springs PTL No. 147 specifies inspection for security and locking of the shakeproof lock washers and to further lock by the application of either Glyptal Varnish CS.184 or Bakelite Varnish V.130. Compliance required by April 15, 1959.
2012-02-02: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Cessna Aircraft Company (Cessna) Models 172R and 172S airplanes. That AD currently requires you to inspect the fuel return line assembly for chafing; replace the fuel return line assembly if chafing is found; and inspect the clearance between the fuel return line assembly and both the right steering tube assembly and the airplane structure, adjusting as necessary. Since we issued that AD, we have received a field report of a fuel return line chafing incident on a Cessna Model 172 airplane with a serial number (S/N) that was not included in the AD. This AD retains the actions of the current AD and adds S/Ns to the Applicability section of the AD. Chafing of the fuel return line assembly could lead to fire. This new AD requires the actions of the current AD and adds S/Ns to the Applicability section of the AD. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
65-09-04: 65-09-04 LOCKHEED: Amdt. 39-59 Part 39 Federal Register April 28, 1965. Applies to Models 188A and 188C Series Aircraft. Compliance required as indicated. There have been a number of cracks in the wing upper surface in the area of the main landing gear rib forgings, some of which have extended out from previous crack repairs and from reinforcements. (a) Within the next 700 landings after the effective date of this AD, unless already accomplished within the last 700 landings prior to the effective date of this AD, accomplished the following or an equivalent approved by the Chief, Aircraft Engineering Division, FAA Western Region: (1) Inspect the external surface of the upper wing planks visually for cracks in the area bounded by the front spar-to-plank joint and the rear spar-to-plank joint between Wing Station 221 and the nacelle outboard skate angle, and between Wing Station 155 and the nacelle inboard skate angle; (2) Inspect for cracks by dye penetrant technique, that portion of the external surface of the upper wing plank area located 2.5 inches forward and 2.5 inches aft of the No. 3-to- No. 4 plank joint between Wing Station 221 and the nacelle outboard skate angle and between Wing Station 155 and the nacelle inboard skate angle, which is not hidden by the existing 0.25 inch reinforcing doubler; and (3) Inspect the tang of the No. 4 plank at the No. 3-to-No. 4 plank joint between Wing Station 221 and the nacelle outboard skate angle and between Wing Station 155 and the nacelle inboard skate angle, for vertical cracks at the tang radius, by either of the following: (i) Externally by the ultrasonic technique described in Lockheed Service Bulletin 88/SB-620, Section 2.A. (2)(b), pages 5 through 7, or later FAA-approved revision. Visually reinspect internally if cracks are indicated by the ultrasonic inspection. (ii) Visual internal inspection. (b) Repair any cracks found during the inspections required by this AD before further flight, in accordance with the Lockheed Electra Structural Repair Manual or an equivalent approved by the Chief, Aircraft Engineering Division, FAA Western Region, except that the aircraft may be flown in accordance with the provisions of FAR 21.197 to a base where the repair can be made. NOTE: Regional approval required by (b) may be facilitated by obtaining prior approval of a Structural DER. (c) Reinspect internally by visual means or by X-ray technique any area repaired in accordance with (b) within 1,400 landings after inspection in accordance with (a), and at intervals thereafter not to exceed 1,400 landings from the last inspection. Upon the request of the operator, an FAA maintenance inspector, subject to prior approval of the Chief, Aircraft Engineering Division, FAA Western Region, may authorize alternative inspection techniques and intervals for specified repaired areas, provided the request is accompanied by technical data describing the length, location,and disposition of the crack, and the details of the repair. (d) Reinspect in accordance with (a) all areas found free of cracks at intervals not to exceed 1,400 landings from the last inspection. (e) When subsequent reinspection shows evidence of growth of a crack repaired in accordance with (b), remove the repair, and repair the engine cracked area in accordance with (b) before further flight except that the aircraft may be flown in accordance with the provisions of FAR 21.197 to a base where the repair can be made. (f) The repetitive inspections required by (c) for repaired areas and (d) for areas free from cracks may be discontinued if the upper wing planks are inspected, repaired if necessary, and reinforced in accordance with the following: (1) Inspect for cracks as specified in (a) the areas not hidden by the 0.25 inch reinforcing doubler and not previously repaired; (2) Inspect for cracks as specified in (c) repaired areas; (3) Inspect for cracks asspecified in (a) the area hidden by the 0.25 inch reinforcing doubler with the doubler removed; (4) Repair in accordance with (b) any cracks found; and (5) Incorporate the reinforcements described by Lockheed Drawings 841314, 841315, SED/64-9010 and SED/64-9011 in accordance with the accomplishment instructions, Section 2.A. through 2.L. of Lockheed Service Bulletin 88/SB-619, or later FAA-approved revision, or equivalent reinforcements approved by the Chief, Aircraft Engineering Division, FAA Western Region. (g) For the purpose of complying with this AD, subject to acceptance by the assigned FAA maintenance inspector, the number of landings may be determined by dividing each aircraft's hours' time in service by the operator's fleet average time from takeoff to landing for the aircraft type. (h) Upon request of the operator, an FAA maintenance inspector, subject to prior approval of the Chief, Aircraft Engineering Division, FAA Western Region, may adjust the repetitive inspection intervals specified in this AD to permit compliance at an established inspection period of the operator if the request contains substantiating data to justify the increase for such operator. This supersedes AD 64-25-02. This directive effective April 28, 1965.
97-16-04: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB SF340A and SAAB 340B series airplanes, that currently requires inspections to detect improper connections of the wire harness installation to the cartridges of the fire extinguishers in the engine nacelles, correction of any discrepancy, and modification of the wiring. This amendment adds a revised modification of that wiring, which, if accomplished, would terminate the inspections currently required by the existing AD. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that, due to the removal of a certain clamp during maintenance, these fire extinguisher cartridges still could be connected incorrectly after the modification required by the existing AD has been accomplished. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent incorrect wiring of the cartridges, which would result in inability of the fire extinguishers to jointly discharge extinguishing agent into anacelle in the event of an engine fire.
97-15-17: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Saab Model SAAB 2000 series airplanes, that requires replacing the Abex alternating current (AC) electric motor with a new modified Abex AC electric motor having an improved fan. This amendment is prompted by reports indicating that the integrated hydraulic package (IHP) unit stopped functioning during flight because the fan on the AC electric motor came into contact with the housing of the motor due to inadequate clearance. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of IHP function, which, if combined with other hydraulic system failures, could result in reduced controllability of the airplane.
76-20-07: 76-20-07 BELLANCA: Amendment 39-2738. Applies to Bellanca CH, CH-300 Pacemaker, 300-W Pacemaker, CH-400 Skyrocket, E Pacemaker, F. Skyrocket, 14-9, 14-9L, 14- 12F-3, 14-13, 14-13-2, 14-3-3, 14-13-3W, 31-42 Pacemaker Aircraft, certificated in all categories. To prevent failure of forward or aft wing spars due to wood decay caused by water collecting in the wing, accomplish the following: Prior to the next flight after receipt of this AD unless already accomplished, and at each annual inspection thereafter, perform the following or an approved equivalent inspection: (a) Using a blunt tool (e.g. screwdriver handle) tap along the entire length of the upper and lower skin directly over the front and rear spars starting inboard of the root rib. A decayed area will emit a sound that has a discernible difference in quality in comparison to an undecayed section. Fabric covered wings can be inspected by depressing the fabric over the spar prior to tapping. A suspected area mustbe inspected visually through available skin access holes, or cut outs in the skin. The front face of the rear spar and the front spar must also be checked by inserting an awl through the drain holes on the lower surface of the wing and tapping. (b) Using a light and mirror, inspect the interior of the wings for moisture, water stains, pooled dust or dirt which may indicate previously collected water, wood discoloration, woodchecks, delamination of surfaces and corrosion of metallic surfaces. The inspection will include among other areas: 1. Inboard of root rib including the ends of front and rear spar and spar attachment and the inside surface of top and bottom skin and root rib. 2. Forward face of front spar visible through gap between fuselage and lower wing surface. 3. Forward face of rear spar to root rib, visible through gap between fuselage and lower wing surface. 4. Aft face of rear spar, visible through lightening holes or cut-outs after flaps are removed. For airplanes not equipped with flaps a skin cut-out on the bottom wing may be used. 5. Flap stops for airplanes so equipped. 6. Forward face of front spar in the vicinity of landing light for airplanes so equipped. 7. The plywood wing skin interior for airplanes so equipped. 8. Interior of wing at trailing edge where fabric terminates including the area around the flaps for airplanes so equipped. 9. Inspect for restriction in all drain holes in wing bottom surface. 10. Inspect the seal (e.g. fabric fillet, channel rubber with compatible sealant etc.) at the intersection of the fuselage and top wing skin leading edge fairing. 11. Inspect for serviceability of the seal (e.g. doped fabric fillet, silicone rubber sealant, etc.) between the fuel tank scupper and wing skin. 12. The spar butt ends. (c) On the exterior surfaces of the wing, inspect for any damage that may allow water entry such as cracks or breaks in the paint,bubbles, discoloration, boils, soft spots or other evidence of fabric deterioration or fabric delamination from wood skin. Include in the inspection the wing root area, top and bottom surfaces of front and rear spars inboard of landing gear, wing walk area for airplanes so equipped and the top and bottom of the fuel tank area. (d) If any defects set forth in paragraph (b) and (c) are detected, repairs must be accomplished in accordance with FAA-approved standard practice AC 43-13-1A or an equivalent repair approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, FAA, Eastern Region, prior to further flight, except that the airplane may be flown in accordance with FAR 21.197 to a base where the repair can be performed. (e) All skins that are cut out in accordance with paragraph (a) must be repaired in accordance with paragraph (d). This amendment is effective October 8, 1976 and was effective upon receipt for all recipients of the airmail directive of July 14, 1976.
2011-24-04: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Model DC-10-10, DC-10-10F, and MD-10-10F airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of three instances of fuel leaks in the lower cap splice of the wing rear spar at station Xors=409. Investigation revealed the fuel leak was due to a crack in the lower cap. If not corrected, this condition could result in fuel leaks or cracking of the lower wing skin and structure, causing possible inability of the structure to sustain the limit load and adversely affecting the structural integrity of the airplane. This AD requires repetitive inspections for cracking on the lower cap of the rear spar of the left and right wings between stations Xors=417 and the outboard edge of the lower cap splice of the wing rear spar at station Xors=400; temporary and permanent repairs if necessary; and repetitive inspections of repaired areas, and corrective actions if necessary. We are issuing this AD to correct the unsafe condition on these products.
2012-02-07: We are superseding two existing airworthiness directives (ADs) for General Electric Company (GE) CF6-45 and CF6-50 series turbofan engines with certain low-pressure turbine (LPT) rotor stage 3 disks installed. The existing ADs currently require inspections of high- pressure turbine (HPT) and LPT rotors, engine checks, and vibration surveys. This new AD retains the requirements of the two ADs being superseded, adds an optional LPT rotor stage 3 disk removal after a failed HPT blade borescope inspection (BSI) or a failed engine core vibration survey, establishes a new lower life limit for the affected LPT rotor stage 3 disks, and requires removing these disks from service at times determined by a drawdown plan. This AD was prompted by the determination that a new lower life limit for the LPT rotor stage 3 disks is necessary. We are issuing this AD to prevent critical life- limited rotating engine part failure, which could result in an uncontained engine failure and damage to theairplane.
97-15-14: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Industrie Aeronautiche e Meccaniche Rinaldo Piaggio S.p.A. (Piaggio) Model P-180 airplanes. This action requires inspecting for cracks around the vertical pin and the torque tube bottom flange of the rudder, and the fasteners that connect the torque tube to the bottom flange (torque tube bottom flange assembly). If cracks are not found, repetitively inspect until cracks are visible. If cracks are evident, this action requires modifying the rudder torque tube bottom flange assembly by replacing the cracked part with a part of improved design, which terminates the repetitive inspection. This AD is the result of several reports of fatigue cracks around the pin that vertically supports the rudder axle. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracks in the rudder torque tube bottom flange, which could result in loss of rudder control and possible loss of the airplane.
2012-02-11: We are superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for [[Page 4649]] all RR RB211-535E4-37, -535E4-B-37, -535E4-B-75, and -535E4-C-37 turbofan engines. That AD currently requires performing initial and repetitive visual and fluorescent penetrant inspections (FPI) of the low-pressure (LP) turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs to detect cracks in the discs. This new AD continues to require those inspections and changes the definition of a shop visit to be less restrictive. This AD was prompted by our finding that the definition of shop visit in the existing AD was too restrictive. We are issuing this AD to revise the definition of shop visit and to detect cracks in the LP turbine stage 1, 2, and 3 discs, which could result in an uncontained release of LP turbine blades and damage to the airplane.
97-15-11: This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Avco Lycoming and Textron Lycoming reciprocating engines, that currently requires removal from service of defective piston pins, and replacement with serviceable parts. This amendment adds additional affected engine models that may have defective piston pins installed, and references a revised service bulletin. This amendment is prompted by the determination that additional engine models may have defective piston pins installed. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent piston pin failure, which could result in engine failure.