de Havilland DHC-7 Dash 7

Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Model DHC-7-1 and DHC-7-100 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of cracks that were discovered in the outboard nacelles upper longeron channels and angles. This AD requires a one-time detailed visual inspection for cracking in the outboard nacelles upper longeron channels and angles; and repair if necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracks in the outboard nacelles upper longeron channels and angles, which could lead to the loss of stiffness in the forward engine mount; and possible catastrophic failure.

Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Model DHC-7 Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7 Airplanes

We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7 Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7 airplanes. This AD requires an inspection of certain SM-200 servo drive units (power servo motor and housing assemblies) for certain markings, related investigative action if necessary, and modification if necessary. This AD results from a report that some SM-200 servo drive units that were not in configuration MOD H are installed on Model DHC-7 airplanes. MOD H prevents the internal clutch fasteners from backing out. We are issuing this AD to prevent the possibility of internal clutch fasteners from backing out, which could cause an inadvertent servo engagement and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7 Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7 airplanes. This AD requires revising the FAA-approved Airworthiness Limitations section of the airplane maintenance manual to prohibit operation of the airplane past its designed life limit for the primary structure, which is 80,000 total flight cycles. This AD also requires contacting the FAA for approval of analysis that substantiates that the airplane is safe to continue operation beyond the designed life limit. This AD results from a report that the designed life limit for the primary structure for the affected airplanes is 80,000 total flight cycles. We are issuing this AD to prevent continued operation of an airplane beyond its designed life limit for the primary structure, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7 Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Viking Air Limited Model DHC-7 airplanes. This AD requires implementing a corrosion prevention and control program (CPCP) either by accomplishing specific tasks or by revising the maintenance inspection program to include a CPCP. This AD results from a determination that, as airplanes age, they are more likely to exhibit indications of corrosion. We are issuing this AD to prevent structural failure of the airplane due to corrosion.

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-7-100, DHC-7-101, DHC-7-102, and DHC-7-103 Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Bombardier Model DHC-7-100, DHC-7-101, DHC-7-102, and DHC-7-103 airplanes. This AD requires revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions of Continued Airworthiness to include a new, lower life limit for lower wing skins. This AD results from the discovery that, during the manufacture of the lower wing skins, score marks may have been accidentally inscribed around the edge of the lower wing skin doublers. We are issuing this AD to prevent fatigue cracks from developing at the score marks in the lower wing skins, which could result in the structural failure of the wing.

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-7-100 Series Airplanes

This amendment revises an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Bombardier Model DHC-7-100 series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive high frequency eddy current inspections to detect cracks on the locking pin fittings of the baggage door and locking pin housings of the fuselage; repetitive detailed inspections to detect cracks of the inner door structure on all four door locking attachment fittings; and corrective actions if necessary. In lieu of accomplishing the corrective actions, that amendment also provides a temporary option, for certain cases, for revising the Airplane Flight Manual and installing a placard. That AD was prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by that AD are intended to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the baggage door fittings and the support structure, which could result in structural failure, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane during flight. This amendment extends the compliance time of the repetitive inspections based on test evidence and is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-7 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-7 series airplanes, that requires modification of the pressure hoses to the ground spoiler actuators. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent blockage of pressure hoses to the ground spoiler actuators, leading to uncommanded deployment of the ground spoilers, resulting in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-7-100, -101, -102, and -103 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-7-100, -101, -102, and -103 series airplanes, that requires inspecting the endcaps of the main landing gear selector valve for leaks of hydraulic oil and, if leaks are detected, replacing the leaking endcaps or the entire selector valve. This amendment also requires eventual replacement or rework of certain selector valves, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. This amendment is prompted by a report of the collapse of the main landing gear due to an external leak of hydraulic oil in the landing gear selector valve, resulting from a fracture of the endcap. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent leaks of hydraulic oil from the main landing gear selector valve, which could result in the collapse of the main landing gear.

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-7-100, and DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Bombardier Model DHC-7-100, and DHC-8-100, -200, and -300 series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of maintenance records to determine the method used during the most recent weight and balance check of the airplane and, if necessary, accomplishment of a weight and balance check. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent unusual handling characteristics and consequent reduced controllability during ground operations due to incorrect methods of weighing and balancing the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-7-100 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Bombardier Model DHC-7-100 series airplanes, that requires repetitive high frequency eddy current inspections to detect cracks on the locking pin fittings of the baggage door and locking pin housings of the fuselage; repetitive detailed visual inspections to detect cracks of the inner door structure on all four door locking attachment fittings; and corrective actions, if necessary. In lieu of accomplishing the corrective actions, this amendment also provides a temporary option, for certain cases, for revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM), and installing a placard. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the baggage door fittings and the support structure, which could result in structural failure, and consequent rapid decompression of the airplane during flight.

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-7 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-7 series airplanes, that requires a one-time visual inspection to detect corrosion on the upper half of the lower longerons on the inboard nacelles; and corrective actions, if necessary. This AD also requires modification of the upper and lower longeron halves. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct corrosion in the upper halves of the left and right hand lower longerons on the inboard nacelles, which could result in a landing gear failure.

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-7 and DHC-8 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-7 and DHC-8 series airplanes, that requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include requirements for activation of the airframe pneumatic deicing boots. This amendment is prompted by reports of inflight incidents and an accident that occurred in icing conditions where the airframe pneumatic deicing boots were not activated. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure that flightcrews activate the pneumatic wing and tail deicing boots at the first signs of ice accumulation. This action will prevent reduced controllability of the aircraft due to adverse aerodynamic effects of ice adhering to the airplane prior to the first deicing cycle.

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-7 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Bombardier Model DHC-7 series airplanes, that requires removal of all attachment bolts and pre-load indicating (PLI) washers of the wing-to-fuselage attachment fittings; a one-time visual inspection to detect corrosion of each attachment bolt; and installation of new attachment bolts and PLI washers of the wing-to- fuselage attachment fittings. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of the attachment bolts of the wing-to-fuselage attachment fittings due to stress corrosion cracking, which could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model DHC-7 and DHC-8 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Bombardier Model DHC-7 and DHC-8 series airplanes, that requires a one-time visual inspection to determine the serial number of the brake shuttle valves of the main landing gear (MLG); and replacement of the filter fittings with new filter fittings, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure that proper filter fittings are installed. Installation of improper filter fittings could result in failure of the brake shuttle valves, and consequent loss of brake effectiveness, which could reduce controllability of the airplane during taxi, takeoff, and landing roll.

Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-7 Series Airplanes

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all de Havilland Model DHC-7 series airplanes, that currently requires certain structural inspections, and repair, if necessary. This amendment requires an additional structural inspection. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect and correct fatigue cracking in certain significant structural areas, which could reduce the structural integrity of these airplanes.

Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-7 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all de Havilland Model DHC-7 series airplanes, that requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to prohibit positioning of the power levers below the flight idle stop during flight, and to add a statement of the consequences of such positioning of the power levers. This amendment is prompted by incidents and accidents involving airplanes equipped with turboprop engines in which the propeller ground beta range was used improperly during flight. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent loss of airplane controllability, or engine overspeed and consequent loss of engine power caused by the power levers being positioned below the flight idle stop when the airplane is in flight.

Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-7 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all de Havilland Model DHC-7 series airplanes, that requires certain structural inspections, and repair, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a structural re-evaluation, which identified certain significant structural items to inspect for fatigue cracking as these airplanes approach and exceed the manufacturer's original design life. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent fatigue cracking in these areas which, if not detected and corrected in a timely manner, could reduce the structural integrity of these airplanes.

Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-7 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all de Havilland Model DHC-7 series airplanes, that requires performing a review of the airplane maintenance records to determine if any insulation blankets have been repaired or changed during service, and various follow-on actions, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by reports of corrosion forming on areas of the airplane structure where black film thermal insulation blankets are used. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such corrosion, which could result in degradation of the structural capability of the airplane fuselage and consequent sudden loss of cabin pressure.

Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-7 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain de Havilland Model DHC-7 series airplanes, that requires modification of the power control relay installation of the emergency lights. This amendment also requires revising the FAA- approved Airplane Flight Manual to include procedures for turning off and on the emergency lights switch in certain conditions. This amendment is prompted by a report that the emergency lights do not automatically illuminate when all generated electrical power on the airplane is lost and the power to the left essential bus is maintained from the aircraft batteries. The actions specified by this AD are intended to ensure that the emergency lights illuminate when needed in an emergency situation.

Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-7 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain de Havilland Model DHC-7 series airplanes, that requires repetitive non-destructive inspections to detect disbonding of fuselage skin panels, and repair, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by a report of disbonding on fuselage skin panels, which was attributed to a manufacturing process error. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent disbonding of the skin panels of the fuselage, which could result in degradation of the structural capability of the airplane fuselage.

Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-7 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain de Havilland Model DHC-7 series airplanes, that requires modification of the emergency lights circuitry. This amendment is prompted by reports of the emergency lights turning on inadvertently due to voltage spikes from other equipment; and reports that the existing emergency light switch arrangement allows the flight compartment and flight attendant's panel switches to override each other. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent such failures of the emergency light systems, which could prevent the use of the emergency lights in the event of an emergency.

Airworthiness Directives; de Havilland Model DHC-7 and DHC-8 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all de Havilland Model DCH-7 and DHC-8 series airplanes, that requires revising the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide the flight crew with recognition cues for, and procedures for exiting from, severe icing conditions, and to limit or prohibit the use of various flight control devices. This amendment is prompted by results of a review of the requirements for certification of the airplane in icing conditions, new information on the icing environment, and icing data provided currently to the flight crews. The actions specified by this AD are intended to minimize the potential hazards associated with operating the airplane in severe icing conditions by providing more clearly defined procedures and limitations associated with such conditions.