Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-23-08, which applies to all Viking Air Limited (Viking) Model DHC- 3 airplanes. AD 2022-23-08 requires a visual inspection of the stabilizer actuator to confirm that the stabilizer actuator lock ring is present, correctly seated in the groove in the upper housing, and engaged in the clamp nut, applicable corrective actions, application of a torque seal, and sending the inspection results to the FAA. This proposed AD would require repetitively inspecting the stabilizer actuator to confirm that the stabilizer actuator lock ring is present, correctly seated in the groove in the upper housing, and engaged in the clamp nut; taking applicable corrective actions; applying a witness mark (torque seal); and installing a secondary retention feature as terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of any stabilizer actuator unless it is a serviceable part. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.