Federal Register #2026-08303

FAA Airworthiness Directive for De Havilland DHC-8-401 and -402 Aircraft

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is mandating new airworthiness actions for De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes, previously certified under Bombardier, Inc. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Compliance & Airworthiness Division - OEMs and Vendors: - De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (primary OEM) - Bombardier, Inc. (previous type certificate holder) - Products/Services Requested: - Replacement of bushings and installation of new washers on elevator PCU arm fitting assembly - Installation of doublers at the front spar of the elevator structure assembly - Replacement of horizontal stabilizer rear spar elevator PCU fittings - Detailed visual and eddy current inspections - On-condition repairs as required by Transport Canada AD CF202519 - Notable Requirements: - Compliance with Transport Canada AD CF202519 procedures - Inspections for cracks, corrosion, and structural degradation - Repairs must be approved by the FAA, Transport Canada, or De Havilland's Design Approval Organization - Applies to 54 U.S.-registered aircraft - Aims to prevent elevator jams and potential loss of pitch control

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited Model DHC-8-401 and -402 airplanes. This AD was prompted by multiple in-service reports of cracks in elevator power control unit (PCU) brackets and the elevator front spar. The AD requires replacing bushings and installing new washers on the elevator PCU arm fitting assembly, installing doublers at the front spar of the elevator structure assembly, replacing horizontal stabilizer rear spar elevator PCU fittings, and applicable on-condition actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products to prevent elevator jam and potential loss of pitch control.

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