AD 2007-12-01 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-8-100, DHC-8-200, and DHC-8-300 Series Airplanes

Models named: DHC-8-101, -102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, -314, -315. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Bombardier Model DHC-8-101, -102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, -314, and -315 airplanes, certificated in any category; serial numbers 003 through 618 inclusive.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Modification of the Upper Bearing (f) For Model DHC-8-311, -314, and -315 airplanes, serial numbers 202 through 516 inclusive, with MLG shock struts having any serial number DCL3501/90 through DCL3768/97 inclusive installed: Within 3,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, modify the upper bearing in each MLG (including doing inspections of the upper bearing and cylinder bore for wear and damage, and doing all applicable corrective actions) in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-144, Revision ‘A,' dated April 29, 2002, which includes Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin M-DT SBDHC8-32-82, Revision 1, dated July 5, 2001, except if wear exceeds the maximum diameter specified in the service bulletin for the cylinder bore or if damage is found on the cylinder bore, before further flight, repair using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) (or its delegated agent). Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight. Revision of the Maintenance Program Manual (g) For Model DHC-8-101, -102, -103, -106, -201, -202, -301, -311, -314, and -315 airplanes, serial numbers 003 through 614 inclusive: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise Part 1 of the applicable de Havilland DHC-8 Maintenance Program Manual by incorporating the applicable MLG shock strut servicing Task 3210/15 specified in Table 1 of this AD. Note 1: This may be done by inserting copies of the applicable task into the applicable maintenance program manual. When these tasks have been included in the general revisions of the applicable maintenance program manual, the general revisions may be inserted in the applicable maintenance program manual and the copy of the task may be removed from the maintenance program manual. Table 1.—Tasks Task— Dated— To the de Havilland Program Support Manual (PSM)— For model— de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Task Card 3210/15 June 22, 2005 1-8-7 DHC-8-100 series airplanes. de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Task Card 3210/15 June 22, 2005 1-82-7 DHC-8-200 series airplanes. de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Task Card 3210/15 November 29, 2005 1-83-7 DHC-8-300 series airplanes. Parts Installation (h) After the effective date of this AD, no person may install a part identified in paragraphs (h)(1) and (h)(2) of this AD, as a replacement during the repair or overhaul of any shock strut assembly, on any airplane. (1) Upper bearing, part number 10130-3 or 10130-551. (2) Damper ring, part number 10129-3 or 10129-551. (i) After the effective date of this AD, only the parts identified in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD may be installed on any airplane as replacement upper bearings and damper rings during the repair or overhaul of any shock strut assembly, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD. (1) Upper bearing, part number 10130-5. (2) Damper ring, part number 10129-5 or 10129-553. (j) After the effective date of this AD, only MLGs with a reworked, oversize cylinder bore (part number identified in the applicable component maintenance manual (CMM)) that have parts identified in paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2), and (j)(3) of this AD used in accordance with the applicable CMM may be installed on any airplane. (1) Upper bearing, part number CRS85-167-11. (2) Damper ring, part number CRS85-167-31 or CRS85-167-33. (3) Seal carrier, part number CRS85-167-21. Credit for Actions Done Using Previous Service Information (k) Modifications accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-144, dated August 10, 1998, which includes Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin M-DT SBDHC8-32-82, dated March 9, 1998, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (l)(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) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. Related Information (m) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2006-14, dated June 14, 2006, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (n) You must use Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-144, Revision ‘A,’ dated April 29, 2002, which includes Messier-Dowty Service Bulletin M-DT SBDHC8-32-82, Revision 1, dated July 5, 2001; and the task cards identified in Table 2 of this AD; 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 these documents 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 FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Table 2.—Task Cards Incorporated by Reference Task card— Dated— To the de Havilland program support manual— de Havilland Dash 8 Series 100 Maintenance Task Card 3210/15 June 22, 2005 1-8-7. de Havilland Dash 8 Series 200 Maintenance Task Card 3210/15 June 22, 2005 1-82-7. de Havilland Dash 8 Series 300 Maintenance Task Card 3210/15 November 29, 2005 1-83-7. Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 25, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-10670 Filed 6-4-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from reports of over-extension of the main landing gear (MLG) shock strut piston, which allows the torque links to go over-center and rest on the piston. We are issuing this AD to prevent loss in shock absorption during touchdown and failure of the shock strut housing, which could result in a subsequent loss of directional control.