Intel
I news I mx reg log 1. FAA Reauthorization Signed:
After subjecting the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to more than 20 short-term spending measures, Congress passed—and the president signed—a $63 billion, four-year FAA authorization package which contains several maintenance provisions. Among the items outlined by the Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) are: a “safety assessment system” for Part 145 repair stations, including inspection of foreign repair stations. Inspections, however, are to be conducted in a manner consistent with existing international agreements, avoiding duplication. The heads of the Transportation and State Departments are to work—through the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)—with governments to establish drug and alcohol testing standards for commercial carrier employees who perform “safety- sensitive maintenance functions.”
2. Bell Emergency AD
Following the lead of Transport Canada Civil Aviation, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an emergency airworthiness directive (AD) to owners and operators of Bell Helicopter Textron Canada 206L, 206L-1, 206L-3, and 206L-4 Long Rangers with certain main rotor blades installed. Transport Canada on Feb. 1, 2012, advised that there is no reliable inspection method to detect the cracks on these blades before blade failure and has mandated a reduced life limit on all affected blades, and removal from service of any main rotor blades exceeding the new life limit. This AD was prompted by two accident investigations which revealed that the main rotor blade failed because of fatigue cracking. FAA evaluated all the relevant information and determined that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type designs. Almost 700 U.S. helicopters are affected, for a total per- aircraft cost of about $46,000.
4. Lycoming AD
In late February 2012 the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) adopted an airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Lycoming reciprocating engines. The move comes in response to a report of a ‘‘machined-from-billet” HA-6 carburetor having a loose mixture control sleeve that rotated in the carburetor body causing fuel restriction and power loss, the agency says. The AD requires removing certain ‘‘machined-from-billet’’ Volare HA-6 carburetors, inspecting for a loose mixture control sleeve or for a sleeve that may become loose, and repairing or replacing the carburetor. The AD is effective March 27, 2012.
3. Boeing ADs
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposed two new airworthiness directives (ADs) for Boeing aircraft. The first, issued Feb. 28, 2012, calls for modifying the anti-icing system for the angle of attack sensor, the total air temperature, and the pitot probes on certain 737-600, -700, -700C, -800, -900, and -900ER series airplanes. The AD responds to reports of flight crew failure to activate air data probe heat, the agency says. The move would affect 1,025 U.S. aircraft and could cost operators up to $14.6 million. Deadline for comments is April 13, 2012. FAA also proposed, on March 1, 2012, an AD for certain 757 aircraft, which would require modifying the fuel quantity indication system wiring or fuel tank systems to prevent the development of an ignition source inside the center fuel tank. The proposal responds to Boeing fuel system reviews. The move would affect 352 U.S. aircraft and would cost between $100,000 and $200,000 per plane. Comments are due by April 30, 2012.
5. FAA to Streamline PMA Process:
A draft order from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would recognize the standard proposed by the Modification and Replacement Parts Association (MARPA) for the preparation of certain parts manufacturer approval (PMA) packages. The deadline for comments passed as this issue went to press. If the final order proceeds along the lines of the draft order, MARPA expects to see acceleration of the review process for certain non-complex PMAs.
18 Aviation Maintenance |
avm-mag.com | April / May 2012
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