- Effective
- September 11, 1998
- Published
- August 7, 1998 · 63 FR 42219–42220
- Models
- DHC-8-101, DHC-8-102, DHC-8-103, DHC-8-106, DHC-8-201, DHC-8-202 and 3 more
- Data sheet
- TCDSA13NM
- Registered aircraft
- 68 matched by model
- Product
- Aircraft · Large airplane
- Amendment
- 39-10697
- Docket
- 98-NM-70-AD
- Issued as
- Final rule
Unofficial copy of the text in the FAA’s Dynamic Regulatory System. Only the govinfo PDF is the legal edition. DRS record last changed May 30, 2024.
Copies of the files this page was built from, with their SHA-256. Retrieved October 18, 2026.
| File | Size | SHA-256 | Original |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official PDF | 117 KB | 00044c4d…e8d2f78 | 98-21097.pdf on govinfo.gov |
| FAA DRS HTML | 42 KB | bd414511…02f17b1 | FAA DRS (API key needed) |
| Federal Register text | 10 KB | 3e51d4bc…7a63499 | 98-21097.txt on federalregister.gov |
On this page
Summary
This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain de Havilland Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes, that currently requires modification of the attitude and heading reference systems (AHRS). That action was prompted by a report of loss of power to both AHRS s during flight due to a faulty terminal block to which the signal ground for the AHRS s is connected. The actions specified by that AD are intended to prevent simultaneous power loss to both AHRS s, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This amendment reduces the applicability of the existing AD.
Rule preamble
The FAA’s background, reasoning and cost estimate, published with the AD.
Supplementary information
A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) by revising AD 97-20-10, amendment 39-10147 (62 FR 50861, September 29, 1997), which is applicable to certain de Havilland Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes, was published in the Federal Register on June 16, 1998 (63 FR 32771). The action proposed to reduce the applicability of the existing AD.
Comments Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments were submitted in response to the proposal or the FAA's determination of the cost to the public.
Conclusion The FAA has determined that air safety and the public interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact The FAA estimates that 167 de Havilland Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish the required actions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $10 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $41,750, or $250 per airplane.
The cost impact figure discussed above is based on assumptions that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the future if this AD were not adopted.
Regulatory Impact The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is not a significant regulatory action under Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a significant rule under DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:
PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
39.13 [Amended] 2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-10147 (62 FR 50861, September 29, 1997), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-10697, to read as follows:
Affected TCDS · 1
The type certificate data sheets for the models this AD names, matched by model and maker.
Registered aircraft · 68
Registered aircraft whose airframe or engine model this AD names. Matched by model only, so check each against the AD’s applicability.
| 1985 | 1 |
|---|---|
| 1988 | 1 |
| 1989 | 1 |
| 1990 | 1 |
| 1991 | 5 |
| 1992 | 1 |
| 1994 | 2 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1997 | 8 |
| 1998 | 6 |
| 2000 | 1 |
| 2004 | 1 |
| 2005 | 1 |
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 2 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 2009 | 2 |
25 with no year recorded