AD 2009-09-02

Unless already done, do the following actions:

(1) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1)(i), (f)(1)(ii), (f)(1)(iii), or (f)(1)(iv) of this AD: Perform non-destructive inspections for damage of the MLG forward stabilizer brace assemblies part number (P/N) 46401-7, in accordance with Bombardier Repair Drawing 8/4-32-099, Issue 1, dated March 10, 2009; and Goodrich Service Concession Request 026-09, Revision B, dated March 10, 2009. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight cycles.

(i) For airplanes with MLG forward stabilizer braces that have accumulated 12,000 or more total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 50 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.

(ii) For airplanes with MLG forward stabilizer braces that have accumulated 9,000 or more total flight cycles but fewer than 12,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect before the accumulation of 12,050 total flight cycles, or within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs earlier.

(iii) For airplanes with MLG forward stabilizer braces that have accumulated 4,500 or more total flight cycles but fewer than 9,000 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect before the accumulation of 9,500 total flight cycles, or within 1,500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs earlier.

(iv) For airplanes with MLG forward stabilizer braces that have accumulated fewer than 4,500 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect before the accumulation of 6,000 total flight cycles.

(2) If any damage is found during any inspection required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, before further flight, do all applicable corrective actions in accordance with Goodrich Service Concession Request 026-09, Revision B, dated March 10, 2009, except as provided by paragraphs (f)(3), (f)(4), (f)(5), and (f)(6) of this AD.

(3) For airplanes on which step 24. of Goodrich Service Concession Request 026-09, Revision B, dated March 10, 2009, has been done: Within 1,200 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, rework the MLG forward stabilizer brace, and except for airplanes on which the rework has been done, within 600 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD do a detailed visual inspection for damage of the stabilizer brace apex lugs, in accordance with Goodrich Service Concession Request 026-09, Revision B, dated March 10, 2009. If any damage is found, repair before further flight in accordance with Section C of Goodrich Service Concession Request 026-09, Revision B, dated March 10, 2009.

(4) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(4)(i), (f)(4)(ii), or (f)(4)(iii) of this AD, replace the forward stabilizer brace assembly, in accordance with Goodrich Service Concession Request 026-09, Revision B, dated March 10, 2009.

(i) For airplanes on which cracking is found during any inspection required by this AD, and the cracking exceeds the limit specified in Section C of Goodrich Service Concession Request 026-09, Revision B, dated March 10, 2009: Replace the assembly before further flight.

(ii) For airplanes on which any cracking is found after the rework specified in Section C of Goodrich Service Concession Request 026-09, Revision B, dated March 10, 2009: Replace the assembly before further flight.

(iii) For airplanes on which no cracking is found after the rework specified in Section C of Goodrich Service Concession Request 026-09, Revision B, dated March 10, 2009: Replace the assembly within 2,700 flight cycles after doing the rework.

(5) If foreign object damage is found during any inspection required by this AD, or if damage is found to a forward stabilizer brace lug or stop bracket retention hole apex bushing, before further flight, repair using a method approved by either the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, ANE-170, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) (or its delegated agent).

(6) If any crack is found during the visual inspection under 10X magnification, repair before further flight, in accordance with Goodrich Service Concession Request 026-09, Revision B, dated March 10, 2009.

(7) Before the accumulation of 6,000 total flight cycles on the MLG forward stabilizer braces, or within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a detailed visual inspection for cracking of both MLG forward stabilizer braces and do all applicable liquid penetrant inspections for cracking, in accordance with Bombardier Q400 All Operator Message 338, dated February 23, 2009. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours. If any cracking is found during any inspection required by this paragraph, repair before further flight in accordance with Bombardier Repair Drawing 8/4-32-099, Issue 1, dated March 10, 2009; and Goodrich Service Concession Request 026-09, Revision B, dated March 10, 2009.

(8) Submit a report of all findings of the inspections required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD to the Bombardier Technical Help Desk, e-mail: thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com; fax: (416) 375-4539; telephone: (416) 375-4000; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(8)(i) or (f)(8)(ii) of this AD. The report must include the information specified in sheets 3 and 4 of Bombardier Repair Drawing 8/4-32-099, Issue 1, dated March 10, 2009.

(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the inspection.

(ii) If the inspection was accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.

Note: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences.