Overview
Title
Airworthiness Directives; De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (Type Certificate Previously Held by Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FAA wants to make sure certain airplanes are safe by checking and fixing some parts that could get rusty, but they need to fix a few things, like a silly future date and explain why one type of airplane isn't included anymore.
Summary AI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has updated a previous airworthiness directive concerning certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited models. This update includes an inspection for corrosion on specific airplane parts, with corrective actions to prevent potential landing gear failures. The change aims to address issues with airline operators identifying affected airplanes and revises requirements to improve safety. The rule becomes effective on April 18, 3036, and has been approved in conjunction with Canada's aviation authority.
Abstract
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-01- 02, which applied to certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. AD 2022-01-02 required inspecting for corrosion of the nacelle to wing rear spar attachment pins, and the nacelle to landing gear attachment pins, and doing all applicable corrective actions. This AD was prompted by a determination that some operators were unable to identify the airplanes subject to each requirement. This AD continues to require the actions specified in AD 2022-01-02, clarifies the affected airplanes for each required action, and revises the applicability by removing Model DHC-8-400 airplanes; as specified in Transport Canada AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
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Sources
AnalysisAI
Summary of the Document
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) that updates previous regulations for certain models of De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited, specifically the Model DHC-8-400, -401, and -402 airplanes. The objective of the AD is to mandate inspections for corrosion on important airplane components, such as the attachment pins that connect the nacelle to the wing rear spar and the landing gear. This measure is designed to prevent potential landing gear failures. The updated AD clarifies which airplanes are affected and specifies corrective actions. Notably, the Model DHC-8-400 airplane has been removed from this directive. The rule is intended to take effect on April 18, 3036, although this date appears to be a typographical error. This directive has been established in cooperation with Canada’s aviation authority, reflecting a collaborative approach to aviation safety.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from this document that may require attention:
Date Discrepancy: The effective date of April 18, 3036, is likely a typographical error, as it is set far in the future relative to the current year, 2025. This could lead to confusion about when compliance is required.
Exclusion of Model DHC-8-400: The document does not clearly explain the reasoning behind the removal of the Model DHC-8-400 from the applicability of this directive, which might leave stakeholders questioning the rationale.
Complex Language: The document uses technical terms and regulatory jargon that might be difficult for those without expertise in aviation regulations to comprehend. Simplification of these terms could enhance clarity.
Economic Impact: There is a lack of detailed information regarding the economic impacts on airplane operators or owners. Understanding the financial burden or benefits is crucial for stakeholders who must comply with these directives.
Impact on the Public and Stakeholders
The document has broad implications for public safety and specific impacts on stakeholders:
Public Safety: By mandating inspections and corrective measures to address and prevent corrosion in critical aircraft components, the AD contributes positively to public safety by reducing the risk of landing gear failures, which could potentially lead to serious incidents.
Aviation Operators and Owners: The directive places a requirement on operators and owners of affected aircraft to perform the inspections and any necessary repairs, which could incur costs. However, the document does not outline these costs, which could make it difficult for stakeholders to gauge the economic impact or prepare financially.
Aviation Mechanics and Engineers: The AD may lead to additional workloads for aircraft maintenance crews tasked with performing the inspections and repairs. However, this also highlights the importance of their expertise in maintaining aviation safety standards.
Regulatory Bodies and Industry Professionals: The directive demonstrates the ongoing collaboration between the FAA and other aviation regulatory bodies, such as Transport Canada, underscoring the importance of international cooperation in aviation safety. This could serve as a benchmark for similar future directives.
In summary, while the FAA’s updated airworthiness directive aims to enhance aviation safety by preventing potential mechanical failures, the execution and understanding of these directives could be improved by addressing date discrepancies, providing clearer explanations, simplifying the language, and detailing economic impacts more comprehensively.
Issues
• The effective date of this AD is listed as April 18, 3036, which appears to be a typographical error since it is set far in the future compared to the current year of 2025.
• The document could benefit from an explanation or summary of why Model DHC-8-400 airplanes are being removed from this AD.
• The language used to describe technical procedures and compliance requirements is complex and could be simplified for better clarity, especially for those not deeply familiar with aviation regulations.
• The cost implications for operators or owners of the affected airplanes are not detailed, making it difficult to assess the economic impact of this AD.
• Certain sections, such as the discussion on authority and regulatory findings, use technical jargon (e.g., CFR, MCAI) without layman explanations, which may not be easily understandable to readers without legal or regulatory backgrounds.