Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14606 · Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7 Airplanes
Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7 Airplanes
This AD applies to all Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7-1, DHC-7-100, DHC-7-101, DHC-7-102, and DHC-7-103 airplanes, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7 airplanes. This AD requires implementing a corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP) either by accomplishing specific tasks or by revising the maintenance inspection program to include a CPCP. This AD results from a determination that, as airplanes age, they are more likely to exhibit indications of corrosion. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural failure of the airplane due to corrosion.
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 “the Manual,” as used in this AD, means the de Havilland Dash 7, Corrosion Prevention and Control Manual, Product Support Manual (PSM) 1-7-5, dated May 13, 1997.
Information collection requirements in paragraphs (l) and (m) of this AD are approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and are assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform each of the Corrosion Tasks, including re-protection actions, as applicable, specified in Part 3 of the Manual by accomplishing the basic tasks defined in Parts 2 and 3 of the Manual, in accordance with the procedures of the Manual.
(i) Except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD, repeat each of the Corrosion Tasks, and re-protection actions, as applicable, specified in Part 3 of the Manual at intervals not to exceed 3 or 6 years, as specified in Part 3 of the Manual.
(j) After accomplishment of each initial Corrosion Task required by paragraph (h) of this AD, the FAA may approve the incorporation into the operator's approved maintenance/inspection program of the Corrosion Prevention and Control Program (CPCP) specified in the Manual and this AD; or an equivalent program that is approved by the FAA. In all cases, the initial Corrosion Task for each airplane area must be completed at the compliance time specified in paragraph (h) of this AD.
(1) Any operator complying with paragraph (j) of this AD may use an alternative recordkeeping method to that otherwise required by section 91.417 (“Maintenance records”) or section 121.380 (“Maintenance recording requirements”) of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 91.417 or 14 CFR 121.380, respectively) for the actions required by this AD, provided that the recordkeeping method is approved by the FAA and is included in a revision to the FAA-approved maintenance/inspection program. For the purposes of this paragraph, the FAA is defined as the cognizant Flight Standards District Office.
(2) After the initial accomplishment of the Corrosion Tasks required by paragraph (h) of this AD, any extension of the repetitive intervals specified in the Manual must be approved by the FAA. For the purposes of this paragraph, the FAA is defined as the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA.
If any corrosion is found during accomplishment of any action required by paragraph (h) or (i) of this AD: Within 30 days after the finding; rework, repair, or replace, as applicable, any subject part, in accordance with Section 4.0 of Part 3 of the Manual.
If any Level 3 corrosion, as defined in the Introduction of the Manual, is found during accomplishment of any action required by this AD: Do paragraphs (l)(1), (l)(2), and (l)(3) of this AD.
(1) Within 10 days after the finding of Level 3 corrosion, submit a report of the findings to the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; fax (516) 794-5531. The report must follow the format specified in Section 5.0 of Part 3 of the Manual, or be submitted using a Service Difficulty Report, as applicable.
(2) Within 10 days after the finding of Level 3 corrosion, submit a plan to the FAA to identify a schedule for accomplishing the applicable Corrosion Task on the remainder of the airplanes in the operator's fleet that are subject to this AD, or data substantiating that the Level 3 corrosion that was found is an isolated case. The FAA may impose a schedule other than proposed in the plan upon finding that a change to the schedule is needed to ensure that any other Level 3 corrosion is detected in a timely manner. For the purposes of this paragraph, the FAA is defined as the cognizant Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) for operators that are assigned a PMI (e.g., part 121, 125, and 135 operators), and the cognizant Flight Standards District Office for other operators (e.g., part 91 operators).
(3) Within the time schedule approved in accordance with paragraph (l)(2) of this AD, accomplish the applicable Corrosion Task on the remainder of the airplanes in the operator's fleet that are subject to this AD.
(m) If any Level 2 or 3 corrosion, as defined in the Introduction of the Manual, is found during accomplishment of any action required by this AD: At the applicable time specified in Section 5.0 of Part 3 of the Manual, report these findings to the manufacturer according to Section 5.0 of Part 3 of the Manual.
If corrosion findings that exceed Level 1 are found in any area during any repeat of any Corrosion Task after the initial accomplishment required by paragraph (h) of this AD: Within 60 days after such finding, implement a means approved by the FAA to reduce future findings of corrosion in that area to Level 1 or better. For the purposes of this paragraph, the FAA is defined as the cognizant Principal Maintenance Inspector (PMI) for operators that are assigned a PMI (e.g., part 121, 125, and 135 operators), and the cognizant Flight Standards District Office for other operators (e.g., part 91 operators).
Before any airplane subject to this AD is transferred and placed into service by an operator: Establish a schedule for accomplishing the Corrosion Tasks required by this AD in accordance with paragraph (o)(1) or (o)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For airplanes on which the Corrosion Tasks required by this AD have been accomplished previously at the schedule established by this AD: Perform the first Corrosion Task in each area in accordance with the previous operator's schedule, or in accordance with the new operator's schedule, whichever results in an earlier accomplishment of that Corrosion Task. After the initial accomplishment of each Corrosion Task in each area as required by this paragraph, repeat each Corrosion Task in accordance with the new operator's schedule.
(2) For airplanes on which the Corrosion Tasks required by this AD have not been accomplished previously, or have not been accomplished at the schedule established by this AD: The new operator must perform the initial accomplishment of each Corrosion Task in each area before further flight or in accordance with a schedule approved by the FAA. For the purposes of this paragraph, the FAA is defined as the cognizant PMI for operators that are assigned a PMI (e.g., part 121, 125, and 135 operators), and the cognizant Flight Standards District Office for other operators (e.g., part 91 operators).
