AD 2002-16-10 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 Series Airplanes

Models named: DHC-8-100, -200, -300 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes; certificated in any category; serial numbers 003 through 550. 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 prevent failure of the airstair door to open after a landing, which could result in a blocked escape route during an emergency evacuation, accomplish the following: Modifications (a) Modify the airplane as specified in Table 1 of this AD. Table 1 is as follows: Table 1.—Modification Requirements For model— Modify the airstair door by— Within— In accordance with the accomplishment instructions of bombardier service bulletin— (1) DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 series airplanes; serial numbers 003 through 522 inclusive Replacing the inflation valve with a new valve of an improved design (Modsum 8Q100185) 6 months after the effective date of this AD 8-52-46, dated September 30, 1998. (2) DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -301, -311, and -315 series airplanes; serial numbers 003 through 400 inclusive Reworking the airstair door cable balance assembly (Modsum 8/2205) 6 months after the effective date of this AD 8-52-38, dated October 10, 1995; or 8-52-38, Revision “A,” dated September 19, 1997. (3) DHC-8-102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, and -315 series airplanes; serial numbers 003 through 550 inclusive Replacing the upper cable guards on the airstair door with new, improved cable guards (Modsum 8Q101093) 6 months after the effective date of this AD, but after the modification required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD 8-52-57, dated February 23, 2000; or 8-52-57, Revision “A,” dated July 28, 2000; or 8-52-57, Revision “B,” dated November 14, 2000. (4) DHC-8-102, -103, 106, -201, -202, -301, 311, and -315 series airplanes; serial numbers 003 through 550 inclusive (i) Manufacturing and installing a support bracket assembly (Modsum 8Q101086); and/or 6 months after the effective date of this AD 8-52-56, Revision “C,” dated March 10, 2000; or 8-52-56, Revision “D,” dated May 18, 2000; or 8-52-56, Revision “E,” dated July 20, 2000; or 8-52-56, Revision “F,” dated August 29, 2000; or 8-52-56, Revision “G,” dated November 7, 2000.   (ii) Replacing the airstair door gas springs with new gas springs (Modsum 8Q101074) 6 months after the effective date of this AD 8-52-59, dated September 18, 2000; or 8-52-59, Revision “A,” dated January 3, 2001. Note 2: Modsum 8Q101093 (paragraph (a)(3) of this AD) cannot be accomplished before Modification 8/2205 (paragraph (a)(2) of this AD), because Modsum 8Q101093 introduces a redesigned cable guard that replaces a cable guard that is part of Modification 8/2205. (b) Modification, as specified by either paragraph (a)(4)(i) or (a)(4)(ii)—or both—of this AD, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a)(4) of this AD. 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 3: 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 §§ 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. Incorporation by Reference (e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with the Bombardier service bulletins listed in Table 2 of this AD, as applicable. Table 2 is as follows: Table 2.—Service Documents Service bulletin Revision level Dated 8-52-38 Original October 10, 1995. 8-52-38 ‘A’ September 19, 1997. 8-52-46 Original September 30, 1998. 8-52-56 ‘C’ March 10, 2000. 8-52-56 ‘D’ May 18, 2000. 8-52-56 ‘E’ July 20, 2000. 8-52-56 ‘F’ August 29, 2000. 8-52-56 ‘G’ November 7, 2000. 8-52-57 Original February 23, 2000. 8-52-57 ‘A’ July 28, 2000. 8-52-57 ‘B’ November 14, 2000. 8-52-59 Original September 18, 2000. 8-52-59 ‘A’ January 3, 2001. 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 Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, 123 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, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2000-19R1, dated January 22, 2001. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 26, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 12, 2002. Vi Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-20931 Filed 8-21-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P