AD 2007-01-08 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 Series Airplanes

Models named: DHC-8-400 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC-8-400 series airplanes, certificated in any category; having serial numbers 4003, 4004, 4006, 4008 through 4064 inclusive, 4072, and 4073.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspection of Control Cable (f) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection for fouling and chafing damage of the outboard brake control cable of the main landing gear, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-53-37, Revision ‘C,’ dated December 5, 2005. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” Control Cable Cover Rework Only (g) If no fouling or damage is found during the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Within 24 months after the accomplishment date of the inspection, rework the control cable cover and, as applicable, manufacture/install the offset plate assembly; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-53-37, Revision ‘C,’ dated December 5, 2005. Cable Replacement and Control Cable Cover Rework (h) If any fouling or damage is found during the inspection required by paragraph (f) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the control cable with a new control cable, rework the control cable cover and, if not already installed, manufacture/install the offset plate assembly; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-53-37, Revision ‘C,’ dated December 5, 2005. Actions Accomplished According to Previous Issue of Service Bulletin (i) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-53-37, Revision ‘A,’ dated October 17, 2005; or Revision ‘B,’ dated November 24, 2005; are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j)(1) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (k) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2006-05, dated March 31, 2006, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use Bombardier Service Bulletin 84-53-37, Revision ‘C,’ dated December 5, 2005, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Bombardier, Inc., Bombardier Regional Aircraft Division, 123 Garratt Boulevard, Downsview, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 26, 2006. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-911 Filed 1-24-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a review of brake control cable operation conducted by the manufacturer. We are issuing this AD to prevent abrasion and wear of the outboard brake control cable, which could lead to cable separation and reduced control of airplane braking.