COMMONWEALTH OF AUSTRALIA (Civil Aviation Regulations 1998), PART 39 - 105 CIVIL AVIATION SAFETY AUTHORITY SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES Bombardier (Boeing Canada/De Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes 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 39.1 (1) of CAR 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. AD/DHC-8/70 Fuel Tank Vent and Scavenge Line Couplings 7/2000 Applicability: DHC-8 aircraft Model 102, 103, 106, 201, 202, 301, 311, 314 and 315, serial numbers 003 to 540 inclusive. Requirement: 1. Inspect Wiggins fuel couplings in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A8-28-32 dated 14 January 2000. 2. Rework stiffener on upper access panel 624AT in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions in Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin A8-28-32 dated 14 January 2000. Note: Transport Canada AD CF-2000-05 refers. Compliance: 1. Unless previously accomplished, within 90 days time in service after the effective date of this Directive. 2. Unless previously accomplished, at the next convenient maintenance opportunity but not later than the next "C" check or 5,000 hours flight time, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of this Directive. This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 13 July 2000. Background: Reports from operators indicate that some of the right wing fuel couplings on the fuel and scavenge lines may have been assembled incorrectly, (nut facing outboard). This can result in fouling between the coupling nut and the stiffener located on the lower surface of the 624AT access panel. This contact is a potential safety concern in the event of a lightning strike. Eugene Paul Holzapfel Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 19 May 2000 The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 14 June 2000.