Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11531 · de Havilland Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 Series Airplanes
de Havilland Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 Series Airplanes
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2005-13-35. Comply with the one in force.
All Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all de Havilland Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes, that requires installation of a placard on the instrument panel of the cockpit to advise the flightcrew that positioning of the power levers below the flight idle stop during flight is prohibited. This amendment also requires eventual installation of a system that will prevent such positioning of the power levers during flight. Such installation will terminate the requirement for installation of a placard. This amendment is prompted by reports of operation of the airplane with the power levers positioned below the flight idle stop during flight. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such positioning of the power levers below the flight idle stop during flight, which could cause engine overspeed, possible engine damage or failure, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
To prevent positioning of the power levers below the flight idle stop during flight, which could cause engine overspeed, possible engine damage or failure, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, install a placard in a prominent location on the instrument panel of the cockpit that states: “Positioning of the power levers below the flight idle stop during flight is prohibited. Such positioning may lead to loss of airplane control, or may result in an engine overspeed condition and consequent loss of engine power.”
(b) Within 2 years after the effective date of this AD, install a system that would prevent positioning the power levers below the flight idle stop during flight, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate. Following accomplishment of that installation, the placard required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed.
(c) In the event that the system required by paragraph (b) of this AD malfunctions, or if the use of an override (if installed) is necessary, the airplane may be operated for three days to a location where required maintenance/repair can be performed, provided the system required by paragraph (b) of this AD has been properly deactivated and placarded for flightcrew awareness, in accordance with the FAA-approved Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL).
