Department of Transportation December 29, 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109E, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of excessive axial play on the ball bearing of the lower half of the main rotor (MR) rotating scissor assembly. This AD requires one-time scissor coupling and axial play inspections and repetitive quantitative axial play inspections and, depending on the results, additional inspections and replacing certain parts. This AD also requires reporting information and prohibits installing certain parts unless certain inspections have been accomplished. These requirements are specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Piaggio Aviation S.p.A. (Piaggio) Model P-180 airplanes. This AD is prompted by a report of corrosion on the various aluminum alloy reinforcements in the horizontal stabilizer (HS) central box caused by a humid environment inside the box from water ingress and/or condensation. This AD requires a one-time detailed inspection of the HS central box for corrosion; an assessment of the corrosion level; and depending on the determination, repetitive detailed inspections of the HS central box for corrosion and the internal composite structure for surface cracks, distortion, and damage; and repair or replacement of the HS assembly. Repair or replacement of the HS assembly is terminating action for the repetitive inspections. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model MD-11 and MD-11F airplanes equipped with General Electric (GE) CF6-80C2D1F high-bypass turbofan engines. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a Model MD-11F airplane experiencing an uncommanded deployment of a thrust reverser in-flight at low altitude. This proposed AD would require a one-time detailed inspection of the engine pylon thrust reverser control system wire harnesses and applicable on-condition actions. The proposed AD would also require repetitive detailed inspections and wire integrity tests of the engine thrust reverser control system wire harnesses (in the pylon), junction box and junction box cover, left side and right side thrust reverser electrical harnesses, core (engine compartment) miscellaneous wire harness assembly, and 30 degree bulkhead wire harness assembly; and applicable on-condition actions. This AD also requires reporting. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.