AD 92-27-03

92-27-03 DE HAVILLAND, INC.: Amendment 39-8436. Docket No. 92-NM-158-AD.

Applicability: Model DHC-7 series airplanes; serial numbers 1 through 7, inclusive, and 9, 10, and 11; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent reduced structural integrity of the engine nacelles, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, conduct an inspection to determine whether rivets that secure the upper longerons in each inner engine nacelle have been installed, in accordance with de Havilland Service Bulletin 7-54-9, dated February 29, 1980.

(1) If any rivets are missing, prior to further flight, accomplish Modification No. 7/1707, in accordance with the service bulletin.

(2) If all rivets are detected, no further action is required by this AD.

(b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, New York ACO.

NOTE: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the New York ACO.

(c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(d) The inspection and modification shall be done in accordance with de Havilland Service Bulletin 7-54-9, dated February 29, 1980. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR Part 51. Copies may be obtained from de Havilland, Inc., Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New England Region, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 181 South Franklin Avenue, Room 202, Valley Stream, New York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(e) This amendment becomes effective on January 22, 1993.