Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14773 · Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 Airplanes, and Model DHC-8-200 and DHC-8-300 Series Airplanes
Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 Airplanes, and Model DHC-8-200 and DHC-8-300 Series Airplanes
This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes, and Model DHC-8-200 and DHC-8-300 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-105, Revision A, dated September 13, 2005.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-8-102, -103, and -106 airplanes, and Model DHC-8-200 and DHC-8-300 series airplanes. This AD requires performing a one-time general visual inspection for non-conforming chain links of chain assemblies of the elevator trim system and gust lock system, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD also requires temporary revisions to the airplane flight manuals of the affected airplanes, which describe procedures for elevator trim checks. This AD results from reports of several failures of the elevator trim chain, due to hydrogen embrittlement. We are issuing this AD to prevent breakage of the elevator trim chain, which would prevent the actual position of the elevator trim tab from being annunciated to the flightcrew. Attempting to adjust the trim tab from the full nose up or full nose down position with a broken trim chain could result in misleading information relative to takeoff trim settings and consequent loss of control on takeoff.
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 the effective date of this AD, revise the applicable airplane flight manual (AFM) of the affected airplanes by incorporating the information in the applicable TAs into the AFMs listed in Table 1 of this AD. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of the applicable TA into the AFM. The copy of the TA may be removed from the AFM when a new revision of the AFM is released that incorporates material identical to the content of the TA.
| For airplane model— | Use de Havilland TA No.— | Dated— | To the de Havilland Dash 8 Model— |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102 | 9 | January 28, 2004 | 102 Flight Manual PSM 1-81-1A. |
| 102NS | 8 | January 28, 2004 | 102 NS Flight Manual PSM 1-81-1A. |
| 103 | 9 | January 28, 2004 | 103 Flight Manual PSM 1-81-1A. |
| 103NS | 8 | January 28, 2004 | 103 NS Flight Manual PSM 1-81-1A. |
| 106 | 9 | January 28, 2004 | 106 Flight Manual PSM 1-81-1A. |
| 106NS | 8 | January 28, 2004 | 106 NS Flight Manual PSM 1-81-1A. |
| 201 | 11 | June 22, 2005 | 201 Flight Manual PSM 1-82-1A. |
| 201S | 9 | June 22, 2005 | 201 S Flight Manual PSM 1-82-1A. |
| 202 | 10 | January 28, 2004 | 202 Flight Manual PSM 1-82-1A. |
| 202HT | 8 | January 28, 2004 | 202 HT Flight Manual PSM 1-82-1A. |
| 202S | 9 | June 22, 2005 | 202 S Flight Manual PSM 1-82-1A. |
| 301 | 8 | January 28, 2004 | 301 Flight Manual PSM 1-83-1A. |
| 311 | 15 | January 28, 2004 | 311 Flight Manual PSM 1-83-1A. |
| 315 | 9 | January 28, 2004 | 315 Flight Manual PSM 1-83-1A. |
Note 1: The suffixes “NS,” “S,” and “HT,” do not indicate separate airplane models; for example, a Model 102NS airplane is a Model 102 airplane.
Within 6,000 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a one-time general visual inspection for non-conforming chain links of the trim chain/chain assemblies of the elevator trim system and gust lock system and, before further flight, do the applicable corrective actions, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-27-105, Revision A, dated September 13, 2005. After accomplishing the requirements of this paragraph, operators may remove the AFM revisions required by paragraph (f) of this AD from the AFM.
Note 2: 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.”
As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an elevator trim chain/chain assembly on any airplane, unless the chain links of that trim chain/chain assembly are identified with the number RC-25.
