Safety Rules & Regs

Air Safety Week, August 4, 2008

Airworthiness Directives; Fokker Model F27 Mark 050. Final Rule. Request for Comments. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. 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 scheduled X-ray inspections of Fokker 50 (F27 Mark 050) engine mounting frames, welding defects were discovered. In two forward frames and one aft frame, defects were found in a total of 4 weld locations. Investigation showed that during manufacture of the frames, when the tubes were welded to the end fittings, unintentional sideways movement of the electric arc resulted in some welds running beside the borderline for a part of the tube circumference. Where a weld runs beside the borderline, there is no connection between tube and end fitting for that part of the circumference, directly affecting the structural integrity of the engine mounting frame connections. The defective welding process appears to have happened at some of the welds in an unknown number of engine mounting frames. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to failure of the engine mounting frame in cases where multiple welds are severely affected, potentially resulting in in-flight loss of an engine.

Airworthiness Directives; Pacific Aerospace Limited Model FU-24. 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: To prevent the possible in-flight failure of the vertical fin, leading to loss of control of the aircraft.

Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Models 175 and 175A. Final Rule. SUMMARY: This AD requires a check of the airplane logbook to determine if the original engine mounting brackets have been replaced. If the original engine mounting brackets are still installed, this AD requires you to repetitively inspect those brackets for cracks and replace any cracked engine mounting bracket. After replacing all four original engine mounting brackets, no further action will be required by this AD. This AD was prompted by a report that the engine became detached from the firewall during landing on one of the affected airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the engine mounting brackets, which could result in failure of the engine mounting bracket. This failure could lead to the engine detaching from the firewall.

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Model A330-200 and A340-300. 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: During fatigue tests (EF3) on the A340-600, multiple damage were found in the upper side shell structure at skin and frame (FR) 84 & 85 interface, from stringer 6 to 15 LH/RH. This damage occurred between 58,341 and 72,891 simulated Flight Cycles (FC). Due to the higher Design Service Goal and different design (e.g. skin thickness) for A330-200 and A340-300 aircraft series, the damage assessment concluded on [a] potential impact on these aircraft series. The unsafe condition is loss of integrity of the upper shell structure of the fuselage.

Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 737-300, -400, and -500. Final Rule; Request for Comments. SUMMARY: This AD requires inspecting to determine if certain carriage spindles are installed, repetitive inspections for corrosion and indications of corrosion on affected carriage spindles, and if necessary, related investigative action and corrective action. This AD also provides optional terminating action. This AD results from a report of corrosion found on carriage spindles that are located on the outboard trailing edge flaps. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corrosion of the carriage spindle, which could result in fracture. Fracture of both the inboard and outboard carriage spindles, in the forward ends through the large diameters, on a flap, could adversely affect the airplane's continued safe flight and landing.

Modification of Certain Medical Standards and Procedures and Duration of Certain Medical Certificates. Final Rule. SUMMARY: This rule extends the duration of first- and third-class medical certificates for certain individuals. A first-class medical certificate is required when exercising airline transport pilot privileges and at least a third-class medical certificate when exercising private pilot privileges. Certain conforming amendments to medical certification procedures and some general editorial amendments are also adopted. The intent of this action is to improve the efficiency of the medical certification program and service provided to medical certificate applicants.