Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13727 · Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 Airplanes
Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 Airplanes
Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes; serial numbers 3 through 119 inclusive; without Bombardier Modification 8/0864 incorporated; certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes, that requires repetitive detailed inspections of the left and right aileron tab actuator arm channels for cracking, and corrective actions if necessary. This proposal also provides an optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This action is necessary to prevent increased roll forces due to cracking of the left and right aileron tab actuator arms, which could be interpreted by the pilot as a flight control problem and might lead to loss of control of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent increased roll forces due to cracking of the left and right aileron tab actuator arm channels, which could be interpreted by the pilot as a flight control problem and might lead to loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed inspection of the left and right aileron tab actuator arm channels for cracking, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-57-07, Revision “F,” dated March 27, 2002.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.”
(1) If no cracked actuator arm channel is found, repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours, until paragraph (a)(2) or (b) of this AD has been accomplished.
(2) If any cracked actuator arm channel is found, prior to further flight, accomplish paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) of this AD. Accomplishment of paragraph (a)(2)(i) or (a)(2)(ii) terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD for the repaired or replaced aileron tab only.
(i) Replace the actuator arm channel with a new actuator arm channel; install a reinforcing angle on the new actuator arm channel; and replace the balance weight arm with a new balance weight arm; in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
(ii) Replace the aileron tab with a new, improved aileron tab in accordance with Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
(b) Reinforcement of both actuator arm channels with reinforcing angles and installation of new balance weight arms in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-57-07, Revision “F,” dated March 27, 2002; or replacement of the aileron tabs with new, improved tabs in accordance with Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of that service bulletin; constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD.
(c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install any actuator arm channel or any aileron tab on any airplane except in accordance with paragraph (a)(2) or (b) of this AD.
(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
