AD 2001-19-01 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-301 Series Airplanes

Models named: DHC-8-301 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model DHC-8-301 series airplanes having the serial numbers listed below, certificated in any category: 100, 108, 116, 124, 131, 137, 143, 149, 154, 159, 164, 169, 174, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190, 192, 194, 196, 198, 200. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To find and fix the access panels of the upper wings that do not meet Model 301 wing specifications, which could result in elongation of the attachment holes in the panels due to critical design loads, and consequent reduced structural integrity of the wings; accomplish the following: Determine Manufacturing Date/Corrective Action (a) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD: Remove the two access panels of the upper wings, part number (P/N) 85711539-003, to determine the manufacturing date, which is stamped on the underside of each panel; per de Havilland Dash 8 Maintenance Manual, Product Support Manual 1-83-2, Chapter 57-30-10, dated March 31, 1995. (1) If the manufacturing date on any panel is September 30, 1997, or earlier, before further flight, replace with a new panel, P/N 85711539-003, having a manufacturing date of October 1, 1997, or later; per the maintenance manual. (2) If the manufacturing date on any panel is October 1, 1997, or later, reinstall that panel per the maintenance manual. No further action is required for that panel. Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD: No person may install an access panel, P/N 85711539-003, having a manufacturing date of September 30, 1997, or earlier, on any airplane. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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), FAA. 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 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the New York ACO. Special Flight Permits (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian airworthiness directive CF-99-27, dated September 28, 1999. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on October 1, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 7, 2001. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-23068 Filed 9-13-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P