2022-23-08: Elevator Structure

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2022-23-08 Viking Air Limited (type certificate previously held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.): Amendment 39-22235; Docket No. FAA-2022-1409; Project Identifier AD-2022-01396-A. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective November 2, 2022. None. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Viking Air Limited (Viking) (type certificate previously held by Bombardier Inc. and de Havilland, Inc.) Model DHC-3 airplanes, all serial numbers, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5520, Elevator Structure. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by a recent investigation of a Viking Model DHC-3 airplane where the lock ring of the stabilizer actuator was found missing. The investigation revealed that the clamp nut that attaches the top eye end and bearing assembly of the horizontal stabilizer actuator to the actuator barrel had unscrewed from the barrel. The investigation also found that the circular wire lock ring, which was designed to prevent the clamp nut from unscrewing, was not present. This condition, if not detected and corrected, could result in a reduction or loss of pitch control during flight with consequent loss of control of the airplane. (f) Compliance Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done. (g) Inspection Within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, perform a visual inspection of the stabilizer actuator to confirm that the stabilizer actuator lock ring is present, correctly seated in the groove in the upper housing, and engaged in the clamp nut. If the stabilizer actuator lock ring is missing or not correctly installed, before further flight, repair using a method approved by the Manager, New York ACO Branch, FAA, at the address in paragraph (k) of this AD. Note to paragraph (g): Viking Service Letter DHC3-SL-27-001, dated October 25, 2022, contains information related to this AD. (h) Torque Seal Before further flight after the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, apply a torque seal to the clamp nut and lock ring. (i) Reporting Requirement Within 10 days after the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD or within 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, report the results of the inspection to the FAA at [email protected] . Include the airplane serial number, airplane hours TIS, hours TIS since last actuator overhaul (if known), and whether the lock ring was present, missing, or incorrectly installed. (j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (1) The Manager, New York ACO Branch, 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 manager of the certification office, mail it to ATTN: Program Manager, Continuing Operational Safety, at the address identified in paragraph (k) of this AD or email to: [email protected] . If mailing information, also submit information by email. (2) 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. (3) For service information identified in this AD that is not incorporated by reference, contact Viking Air Ltd., 1959 de Havilland Way, Sidney British Columbia, Canada V8L 5V5; phone: (800) 663-8444; email: [email protected] ; website: vikingair.com . (k) Related Information For more information about this AD, contact Elizabeth Dowling, Aviation Safety Engineer, New York ACO Branch, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7300; email: [email protected] . (l) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on October 28, 2022. Ross Landes, Deputy Director for Regulatory Operations, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2022-23899 Filed 10-31-22; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P