{"id":"F2006B09239","name":"AD/DHC-8/80 - Observer Seat Latch","slug":"ad-dhc-8-80-observer-seat-latch","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":53137,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B09239-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-02","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","sectionType":"part","heading":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","content":"# AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE\n\n![](image.001.png)\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nFor 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.\n\nBombardier (Boeing Canada/de Havilland) DHC-8 Series Aeroplanes","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/DHC-8/80 Observer Seat Latch 8/2001","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/DHC-8/80 Observer Seat Latch 8/2001","content":"# AD/DHC-8/80 Observer Seat Latch 8/2001\n\nApplicability: DHC-8 aircraft, Models 102, 103, 106, 201, 202, 301, 311, 314, and 315, with serial\n\nnumbers 408, 413, and 434 through 507; excluding serial numbers 452, 464, 490, and\n\n506.\n\nRequirement: Replace the observer’s seat latch assembly by incorporating ModSum 8Q100890 in accordance with the instructions contained in Bombardier Service Bulletin 8-25-307, dated 13 November 2000.\n\nNote: Transport Canada AD CF-2001-18 refers.\n\nCompliance: Before 15 June 2002, unless already accomplished.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 9 August 2001.\n\nBackground: The observer’s seat latch assembly and its attachment to the cockpit door frame have been found to be under strength on aircraft equipped with Hunting interiors. This could result in the seat separating from its attachment in the event of an accident or emergency landing.\n\n![](image.002.png)  \n\nDavid Alan Villiers\n\nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 27 June 2001\n\n![](image.001.png)  \n\nThe above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 11 July 2001.","sortOrder":1}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a targeted safety directive addressing a specific mechanical defect in specific aircraft. It has not expanded beyond its original purpose of mandating a single safety modification."},"complexity_factors":["Very short document (approximately 250 words)","Only 3 defined applicability criteria (aircraft models, serial number ranges, exclusions)","Single, unambiguous compliance action (replace latch assembly per specific service bulletin)","No nested exceptions or conditional logic beyond the serial number exclusions","Clear, fixed compliance deadline with simple exception ('unless already accomplished')","No cross-references to other legislation beyond a single note referencing a Canadian equivalent directive"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA safety order requires owners/operators of certain Bombardier DHC-8 aeroplanes (Models 102, 103, 106, 201, 202, 301, 311, 314, 315 with serials 408, 413, and 434–507, excluding 452, 464, 490, 506) to replace a weak observer‑seat latch assembly that could fail in a crash and become a dangerous projectile.\n\nThe replacement must follow Bombardier Service Bulletin 8‑25‑307 and be done before 15 June 2002 unless already completed."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"No. The AD’s applicability, mandated modification (ModSum 8Q100890), and compliance deadline align with the stated safety purpose of correcting under‑strength observer seat latches on specified aircraft. It confines action to listed models/serials and does not expand requirements beyond that stated intent."},"complexity_factors":["Applicability specificity: multiple DHC‑8 models and a serial‑number range with four serials explicitly excluded (identification and tracking required).","Technical requirement: mandated incorporation of ModSum 8Q100890 per Bombardier Service Bulletin 8‑25‑307 (technical work by maintenance organisations).","Fixed compliance deadline: retrofit must be completed before 15 June 2002 (scheduling and operational downtime).","Safety‑critical structural issue: addresses under‑strength observer seat latch on aircraft with Hunting interiors (inspection/structural work required).","Regulatory provenance and cross‑reference: issued by CASA under CAR 1998 subreg 39.1(1) and refers to Transport Canada AD CF‑2001‑18 (interjurisdictional alignment).","Cost and responsibility allocation: owners/operators bear the cost and arrange compliance (commercial and logistical implications)."],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive requires owners/operators of specified Bombardier DHC‑8 models and serial numbers to replace the observer’s seat latch assembly by incorporating ModSum 8Q100890, following Bombardier Service Bulletin 8‑25‑307. CASA’s delegate made the modification mandatory with a compliance deadline of 15 June 2002.\n\nCASA decides the requirement; aircraft owners/operators pay for and perform the retrofit. The stated reason is under‑strength latches on aircraft with Hunting interiors that could allow the seat to separate in an accident, creating a one‑time compliance cost and aircraft downtime."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-dhc-8-80-observer-seat-latch","history":"/api/acts/ad-dhc-8-80-observer-seat-latch/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-dhc-8-80-observer-seat-latch/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-dhc-8-80-observer-seat-latch/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-dhc-8-80-observer-seat-latch/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-dhc-8-80-observer-seat-latch/documents"}}