Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14172 · Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, and DHC-8-300 Series Airplanes
Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, and DHC-8-300 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to all Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, and DHC-8-300 series airplanes; certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered or repaired in the areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able to accomplish the inspections described in the revision. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403 (c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (l)(1) of this AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure the continued damage tolerance of the affected structure. The FAA has provided guidance for this determination in Advisory Circular (AC) 25-1529.
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to all Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, and DHC-8-300 series airplanes. That AD currently 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. Additionally, the existing AD requires eventual installation of an FAA-approved system that would prevent such positioning of the power levers during flight. Installation of that system terminates the requirement for installation of a placard. This new AD requires operators who have incorporated a certain Bombardier service bulletin to perform repetitive operational checks of the beta lockout system and to revise the Airworthiness Limitations document. This AD is prompted by in-service issues reported by operators who incorporated Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-76-24 as an alternative method of compliance to the existing AD. We are issuing this AD to prevent the inadvertent activation of ground beta mode during flight, which could lead to engine overspeed, engine damage or failure, and consequent reduced controllability 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.
Within 30 days after March 1, 2000 (the effective date of AD 2000-02-13), 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.”
Within 2 years after March 1, 2000, 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. Following accomplishment of that installation, the placard required by paragraph (f) of this AD may be removed.
(h) In the event that the system required by paragraph (g) 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 (g) of this AD has been properly deactivated and placarded for flightcrew awareness, in accordance with the FAA-approved Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL).
(i) For airplanes that have been modified in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-76-24: Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform an operational check of the beta lockout system in accordance with the applicable de Havilland Dash 8 task card listed in Table 1 of this AD. Thereafter repeat the operational check at intervals specified in the applicable de Havilland temporary revision (TR) listed in Table 2 of this AD.
| DHC-8 model | de Havilland task card | Date |
|---|---|---|
| -101, -102, -103, and -106 airplanes | Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Task Card 6120/10 | November 21, 2003. |
| -201 and -202 airplanes | Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Task Card 6120/10 | November 21, 2003. |
| -301, -311, and -315 airplanes | Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Task Card 6120/10 | November 21, 2003. |
Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the AWL section of the applicable Instructions for Continued Airworthiness by incorporating the contents of the applicable de Havilland TR listed in Table 2 of this AD into the AWL section of the applicable Bombardier DHC-8 Maintenance Program Support Manual (PSM).
| DHC-8 model | de Havilland TR | Dated | For PSM |
|---|---|---|---|
| -101, -102, -103, and -106 airplanes | AWL-86 | March 17, 2003 | 1-8-7 |
| -201 and -202 airplanes | AWL 2-26 | March 17, 2003 | 1-82-7 |
| -301, -311, and -315 airplanes | AWL 3-93 | March 17, 2003 | 1-83-7 |
(k) When the information in the applicable de Havilland TR identified in Table 2 of this AD has been included in the general revisions of the applicable PSM identified in Table 2 of this AD, the general revisions may be inserted in the PSM, and the applicable TR may be removed from the AWL section of the Instruction for Continued Airworthiness.
