AD 2011-18-15 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400 Series Airplanes

Models named: DHC-8-400, -401, -402. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Bombardier, Inc. Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes, certificated in any category, serial numbers 4001 and subsequent.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Initial and Repetitive Inspections (g) At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD: Do a torque check to determine if the bolt preload is correct, and if the preload is correct, before further flight, do a detailed inspection of each barrel nut and cradle for cracking, pitting or corrosion, in accordance with paragraph 3.B., part A, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-57-25, dated July 20, 2011. Repeat the torque check and, as applicable, the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 2,000 flight hours or 12 months, whichever occurs first. (1) For airplanes that have accumulated 1,900 or more total flight hours as of the effective date of this AD, or for which it has been 12 months or more since the date of issuance of the original Canadian airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original Canadian export certificate of airworthiness as of the effective date of this AD: Within 100 flight hours or 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. (2) For airplanes that have accumulated less than 1,900 total flight hours as of the effective date of this AD, and for which it has been less than 12 months since the date of issuance of the original Canadian airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original Canadian export certificate of airworthiness as of the effective date of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 2,000 total flight hours or within 12 months since the date of issuance of the original Canadian standard airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original Canadian export certificate of airworthiness, whichever occurs first. Corrective Actions (h) If any bolt preload is found to be incorrect ( i.e., the ring can be rotated during any torque check required by this AD), before further flight, replace all hardware at that location (except the saddle washer and retainer) in accordance with paragraph 3.B., part B, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-57-25, dated July 20, 2011. (i) If any crack, pitting, or corrosion of the barrel nut or cradle is found during any inspection required by this AD, before further flight, replace all hardware at that location (except the saddle washer and retainer) in accordance with paragraph 3.B., part B, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-57-25, dated July 20, 2011. Credit for Actions Accomplished in Accordance With Previous Service Information (j) Accomplishment of torque checks, initial inspections, or replacements before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-57-19, dated February 1, 2008; Revision A, dated February 6, 2008; Revision B, dated March 6, 2008; or Revision C, dated August 20, 2008; is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD. However, the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) of this AD must be continued at the time specified. FAA AD Differences Note 1: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Special Flight Permits (k) Special flight permits, as described in Section 21.197 and Section 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199), may be issued to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished, but concurrence by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, is required prior to issuance of the special flight permit. Before using any approved special flight permits, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Operators must request a repair drawing from Bombardier which provides recommendations for a one-time special flight permit. The repair drawing will be applicable to the operator's aircraft serial number only. Special flight permits may be permitted provided that the conditions specified in paragraphs (k)(1), (k)(2), (k)(3), (k)(4), and (k)(5) of this AD are met. (1) Only one barrel nut out of four is cracked, one cradle is cracked, or one washer is loose; all other strut bolt locations must be free of damage. (2) The airplane must operate with reduced airspeed not to exceed 180 KIAS [knots indicated air speed]. No passengers and no cargo are onboard. (3) The airplane must not operate in known or forecast turbulence, other than light turbulence. (4) The airplane descent rate on landing flare-out is not to exceed 5 feet per second. (5) Heavy braking or hard turning of the airplane upon landing is to be avoided if possible. Other FAA AD Provisions (l) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, ANE-170, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the ACO, send it to Attn: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, FAA, New York ACO, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone 516-228-7300; fax 516-794-5531. Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding district office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. Related Information (m) Refer to MCAI Canadian Emergency Airworthiness Directive CF-2011-24, dated July 21, 2011; and Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-57-25, dated July 20, 2011; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (n) You must use Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A84-57-25, dated July 20, 2011, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., Q-Series Technical Help Desk, 123 Garratt Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario M3K 1Y5, Canada; telephone 416-375-4000; fax 416-375-4539; e-mail thd.qseries@aero.bombardier.com; Internet http://www.bombardier.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference 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/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 19, 2011. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-22013 Filed 8-30-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P