Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14113 · Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 Series Airplanes
Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, -401 and -402 series airplanes, certificated in any category; serial numbers 4001, and 4003 through 4093 inclusive.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the attachment fittings of the outboard flap front spar at flap track Number 4 and Number 5 locations, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires eventual replacement of the attachment fittings as terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This AD is prompted by the discovery of several airplanes that have loose flap front spar attachment fittings at flap track Number 4 and Number 5 locations. We are issuing this AD to prevent the attachment fittings from becoming detached, and consequent loss of control of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-57-06, Revision “B,” dated March 9, 2004.
For any front spar attachment fitting at the flap track Number 4 location on which Bombardier Repair Drawing (RD) RD8/4-57-228, Issue 1, dated October 27, 2003; in combination with Bombardier RD8/4-57-173, Issue 2, dated June 17, 2003; or Bombardier RD8/4-57-180, Issue 2, dated September 22, 2003; or Bombardier RD8/4-57-226, Issue 2, dated November 11, 2003; has not been done prior to the effective date of this AD: Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection to detect discrepancies of the front spar attachment fittings at the flap track Number 4 location on both the left and right outboard flap assemblies. Do the inspection in accordance with the service bulletin. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 800 flight hours until the terminating action required by paragraph (j) of this AD is done.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”
Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection to detect discrepancies of the front spar attachment fittings at the flap track Number 5 location on both the left and right outboard flap assemblies. Do the inspection in accordance with the service bulletin. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 800 flight hours until the terminating action required by paragraph (j) of this AD is done.
(i) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (h) of this AD, before further flight, repair the discrepancy in accordance with the service bulletin. Where the service bulletin says to contact the manufacturer for repair instructions, before further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) (or its delegated agent).
Within 4,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do the permanent repair required by paragraphs (j)(1) and (j)(2) of this AD. Completing the permanent repair constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD.
(1) Modify the attachment of the front fittings of flap track Number 4 on both the left and right outboard flap assemblies in accordance with Bombardier RD8/4-57-226, Issue 2, dated November 11, 2003. Fittings on which the repairs specified in Bombardier RD8/4-57-173, Issue 2, dated June 17, 2003; or Bombardier RD8/4-57-180, Issue 2, dated September 22, 2003; have been done do not require that Bombardier RD8/4-57-226 be incorporated at those fitting locations.
(2) Modify the attachment of the front fittings of flap track Number 5 on both the left and right outboard flap assemblies in accordance with Bombardier Modification Summary Package IS4Q5750002, Revision D, dated December 1, 2003.
Inspections accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-57-06, dated November 5, 2003; or Revision “A,” dated December 16, 2003; are acceptable for compliance with the inspections required by this AD.
Although the service bulletin specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
