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Monday, August 17, 2009

Safety Rules & Regs

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A318, A319, A320, and A321. 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: In-service experience has shown that a fracture of the gerotor pump of the A320 RAT [ram air turbine] may occur. This may lead to the non-operation of the RAT in case of an in-flight deployment. The Non-Deployment or Non-Pressurization of the RAT, associated with a double engine failure or a total loss of normal electrical power generation constitutes an unsafe condition. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective August 19, 2009.

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and -300, and A340-200 and -300. 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: Several reports have been received from A330 and A340 operators concerning chafing of the electrical harness behind the lavatory, located at L (level) 53, resulting in a number of short-circuits. This harness contains cables for lighting, plugs, loudspeakers and oxygen controls and indications. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the short circuit of wires dedicated to oxygen, which, in case of emergency, could result in a large number of passenger oxygen masks (up to 32% of all seats) not being supplied with oxygen, possibly causing personal injuries. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective August 19, 2009.

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 707 Airplanes and Model 720 and 720B. Final rule. SUMMARY: This AD requires performing an operational test of the engine fuel suction feed of the fuel system, and other related testing and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from a report of in-service occurrences of loss of fuel system suction feed capability, followed by total loss of pressure of the fuel feed system. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct failure of the engine fuel suction feed capability of the fuel system, which could result in multi-engine flameout, inability to restart the engines, and consequent forced landing of the airplane. DATES: This AD becomes effective August 25, 2009.

Airworthiness Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Limited Model BAe 146 and Avro 146-RJ. 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: There have been a number of incidents where wing-to-fuselage or MLG [main landing gear] door fairing panels have detached from the aircraft during flight. Subsequent inspection revealed the loss of the fairing panels to be due to failure of certain steel grommets. A detaching panel could strike the aircraft during flight, causing damage. In addition, a detaching panel could become attached to the structure or control surfaces, resulting in reduced control of the aircraft. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective August 25, 2009.

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747-400 and -400D. Final rule. SUMMARY: This AD requires installing new relays to allow the flightcrew to turn off electrical power to the in-flight entertainment (IFE) system and other non-essential passenger cabin systems through the left and right utility bus switches, and other specified actions. This AD results from an IFE systems review. We are issuing this AD to ensure that the flightcrew is able to turn off electrical power to the IFE system and other non- essential passenger cabin systems through utility bus switches in the flight compartment, in the event of smoke or fumes. The flightcrew's inability to turn off electrical power to the IFE system and other non-essential passenger cabin systems could result in the inability to control smoke or fumes in the airplane flight deck or passenger cabin during a non-normal or emergency situation. DATES: This AD is effective August 25, 2009. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of August 25, 2009.

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A319, A320, and A321. 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: In 2005 a lateral runway excursion occurred on an A320 aircraft. Such excursions are classified as hazardous, with a large reduction in safety margins. Investigation has shown that the aircraft landed with the nose wheels rotated nearly 20 degrees from center. During subsequent tests on the removed BSCU [Braking and Steering Control Unit], a BSCU hardware failure was found, affecting the monitoring function, including the system reconfiguration management, and leading to a runaway of [the] Nose Wheel Steering [uncommanded steering]. The unsafe condition is an uncommanded steering condition during takeoff or landing, which could result in departure of the airplane from the runway. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective August 25, 2009.