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Monday, March 8, 2010

Safety Rules & Regulations

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus A310. Final rule. SUMMARY: This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated 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: Following scheduled maintenance, an A310 operator reported finding cracks around the wing top skin panels fastener holes at Rib 2 (LH or RH) [left-hand or right-hand], between stringers 2 and 14 on some of its aircraft. This condition, if not corrected, may lead to degradation of the structure in this area. An inspection program is necessary to restore and retain the structural integrity. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective March 19, 2010.

Airworthiness Directives; McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM Series Propellers. Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM series propellers. That AD requires, for certain serial numbers (S/Ns) of McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM series propellers, initial and repetitive visual and dye penetrant inspections for cracks in the propeller hub, replacement of propellers with cracks that do not meet acceptable limits, and rework of propellers with cracks that meet acceptable limits. This AD requires, for all McCauley Propeller Systems 1A103/TCM series propellers, the same actions but at reduced compliance times. This AD also requires inspections of the bolt holes, reaming holes if necessary, and inspections of steel reinforcement plates and gaskets. This AD results from 16 reports received of propeller hubs found cracked since AD 2003-12-05 was issued. We are issuing this AD to prevent propeller separation due to hub fatigue cracking, which can result in loss of control of the airplane. DATES: Effective March 10, 2010.

Airworthiness Directives; Turbomeca Arriel 2S1 Turboshaft Engines. Final rule. SUMMARY: 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: During acceleration up to One Engine Inoperative (OEI) 30-second rating, one event of flight loss of full automatic control occurred on an Arriel 2S1 engine. The selection of OEI 30- second rating on engine 1 was triggered by the automatic detection of an OEI situation further to a transient deceleration of engine 2. The transient deceleration of engine 2 was caused by the untimely reset of its digital electronic control unit (DECU). Once this reset was completed, engine 2 resumed its nominal operation. Afterwards the aircraft then continued its flight safely with its engine 1 operating in manual control mode. The loss of full automatic control of engine 1 was caused by loss of steps of the stepper motor controlling the fuel metering valve inside the Hydro-mechanical Unit (HMU). It has been found that high accelerations, notably up to OEI 30-second rating, increase the risk of loss of steps of the HMU stepper motor. Therefore, this event has led to the consideration of the following unsafe condition at aircraft level: In-flight loss of full automatic control of the engine induced by the loss of steps of the stepper motor during acceleration up to OEI 30-second rating, further to an actual OEI situation on the other engine (such as a power loss event). We are issuing this AD to prevent loss of full automatic control of the engine during acceleration up to the OEI 30-second rating. This condition could result in reduced controllability of the helicopter. DATES: This AD becomes effective March 23, 2010.

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus A380-841, -842, and -861. Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated 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: During the flight test campaign of the A380-861 model (Engine Alliance powered), some cracks were found on the Movable Flap Track Fairing number 6 (MFTF6). These cracks were located at the pivot attachment support-ring and at the U-frame in the attachment area to aft-kinematic. In addition, delamination has been observed within the monolithic Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) structure around the pivot support-ring. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to in-flight loss of the MFTF6, potentially resulting in injuries to persons on the ground. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: This AD becomes effective March 10, 2010.

Airworthiness Directives; SICLI Halon 1211 Portable Fire Extinguishers as Installed on Various Airplanes and Rotorcraft. Final rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated 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: The Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom (UK) has informed EASA [European Aviation Safety Agency] that significant quantities of Halon 1211 gas, determined to be outside the required specification, have been supplied to the aviation industry for use in fire extinguishing equipment. This Halon 1211 has subsequently been used to fill P/N [part number] 1708337B4 portable fire extinguishers that are now likely to be installed in or carried on board aircraft. The contaminated nature of this gas, when used against a fire, may provide reduced fire suppression, endangering the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. In addition, extinguisher activation may lead to release of toxic fumes, possibly causing injury to aircraft occupants. This AD requires actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition described in the MCAI. DATES: This AD becomes effective March 8, 2010.