AD 93-07-06

93-07-06 DE HAVILLAND, INC.: Amendment 39-8538. Docket 92-NM-120-AD.

Applicability: Model DHC-8-100 and DHC-8-300 series airplanes; serial numbers 3 through 216, inclusive; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 50 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, inspect the inboard flaps for free play and roller rattle, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph A., of de Havilland Service Bulletin S.B. 8-27-53, dated May 11, 1990.

NOTE: Evidence of free play and roller rattle, as defined in the service bulletin, is a desirable condition.

(b) If free play and roller rattle are found as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Within 3,000 hours time-in-service or one year after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, re-rig the flap system, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph B., of de Havilland Service Bulletin S.B. 8-27-53, dated May 11, 1990. After accomplishment of this procedure, no further action is required by this AD.

(c) If free play and roller rattle are not found as a result of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Within 250 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, re-rig the flap system, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Paragraph B., of de Havilland Service Bulletin S.B. 8-27-53, dated May 11, 1990.

(1) If the airplane has accumulated more than 5,000 landings when the flap system is re-rigged in accordance with this paragraph: Within 250 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, begin repetitive inspections of the structurally significant items (SSI) in the vicinity of the re-rigged inner flap (identified in the following table) and repeat at the intervals specified in the applicable FAA-approvedmaintenance program.

AIRPLANE

MAINTENANCE PROGRAM DHC SSI TASK IDENTIFICATION NO. DHC-8 Series 100, All Models DHC-8 Series 100 Maintenance Program PSM 1-8-7, Part 2, Airworthiness Limitations Listings WF01, WF02, WF03, WF05, WF06, WF07, WF08, WF09, WF10, WF28, WF29, WF30, and WF31 DHC-8 Series 300, Model 301 DHC-8 Series 300 Maintenance Program PSM 1-83-27, Part 2, Airworthiness Limitations Listings WF01, WF02, WF03, WF05, WF06, WF07, WF08, WF09, WF10, WF28, WF29, WF30, and WF31

(2) If the airplane has accumulated 5,000 or fewer landings when the flap system is re-rigged in accordance with this paragraph, no further action is required by this AD.

(d) 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.

(e) 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.

(f) The inspection and re-rig shall be done in accordance with de Havilland Service Bulletin S.B. 8-27-53, dated May 11, 1990. 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 York Aircraft Certification Office, 181 South Franklin Avenue, Valley Stream, New York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(g) This amendment becomes effective on May 14, 1993.