AD/DHC-8/121 Landing Gear Alternate Release Handles (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes

AD/DHC-8/121 Landing Gear Alternate Release Handles 7/2006

Applicability:

Bombardier Inc. DHC-8 Models 102, 103, 106, 201, 202, 301, 311, 314 and 315, Serial Numbers 003 through 579.

Requirement:

Rework the main and nose landing gear release handles by incorporating Modsum 8Q100730.

Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-146, Revision D, dated 7 February 2003, or later Transport Canada approved revisions provides instructions for incorporating Modsum 8Q100730.

Prior incorporation of Modsum 8Q100730 in accordance with the original issue, Revision A, B or C, of Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-32-146 meets the requirements of this directive.

Note:  Transport Canada AD CF-2006-09 dated 8 May 2006 refers.

Compliance:

Within 3000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 6 July 2006.

Background:

Several cases have been reported of broken or damaged main and nose landing gear alternate release cables caused by rubbing and fraying at the cable to handle interface. In the event of an unsuccessful normal landing gear extension, breakage of either the main or nose landing gear alternate release cable could result in the inability to extend the main or nose landing gear.

James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

24 May 2006