AD 98-05-03 Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-8-102 and -103 Series Airplanes

Models named: DHC-8-102, -103 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model DHC-8-102 and -103 series airplanes, serial numbers 003 through 050 inclusive; certificated in any category. 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 (d) 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. To prevent reduced strength capability and consequent failure of the horizontal stabilizer, which can result in loss of controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Note 2: Accomplishment of the actions required by paragraph (a) of this AD is not intended to supersede the ongoing requirements of the Airworthiness Limitation identified in the Maintenance Review Board (MRB) report as Task 5500/01. (a) Perform a one-time ultrasonic bond inspection to detect disbonding of the upper and lower skin panels of the horizontal stabilizer, at the time specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2), as applicable, of this AD; in accordance with de Havilland Product Support Manual (PSM) 1-8-7A, part 5, section 55-00-01, dated July 15, 1996. (1) For airplanes having serial numbers 010 through 040 inclusive: Inspect within 20 flight cycles or 7 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 003 through 009 inclusive and 041 through 050 inclusive: Inspect within 60 flight cycles or 7 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first. (b) If any disbonding is found during the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Prior to further flight, accomplish the actions specified by paragraph (b)(1), (b)(2), or (b)(3), as applicable, of this AD. (1) If the disbonding is below (smaller than) the limits specified in the PSM, no further action is required by this paragraph. (2) If the disbonding is within the limits specified in the PSM, repair the disbonded area in accordance with the DHC-8 Structural Repair Manual PSM 1-8-3. (3) If the disbonding exceeds the limits specified in the PSM or if a repair is not provided by the PSM, repair the disbonded area in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft [[Page 11989]] Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate. Note 3: Where differences between this AD and the parallel Canadian airworthiness directive exist, this AD prevails. (c) Within 2 days after performing the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Submit a report of inspection findings, regardless of the results, to the Manager, New York ACO, FAA, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York 11581; fax (516) 568-2716. The report must include the airplane serial number, the stringer number, and the extent (length or surface area) of disbonding. (Operators may follow the guidelines provided in Figure 2 of de Havilland PSM 1-8-7A for reporting requirements.) Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (d) 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 ACO. 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the New York ACO. (e) 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian airworthiness directive CF-98-01, dated February 19, 1998. (f) This amendment becomes effective on March 17, 1998, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 98-05-03, issued February 25, 1998, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 5, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-6327 Filed 3-11-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U