Viking Airplanes Must Check Stabilizer Locks Regularly
Published Date: 8/25/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own a Viking DHC-3 airplane, this new rule means you need to keep checking the stabilizer actuator lock ring to make sure it’s in place and working right. You’ll also have to add a backup part to stop these checks from being needed forever. Don’t install any stabilizer actuators unless they’re approved and safe. These steps help keep your plane safe and avoid costly problems down the road.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Repetitive stabilizer lock‑ring inspections
If you own or operate a Viking Model DHC-3 airplane, you must repetitively inspect the stabilizer actuator to confirm the stabilizer actuator lock ring is present, correctly seated in the groove in the upper housing, and engaged in the clamp nut. You must take any applicable corrective actions and apply a witness mark (torque seal) as part of these inspections.
Install secondary retention to stop inspections
For Viking Model DHC-3 airplanes, you must install a secondary retention feature on the stabilizer actuator; installing that secondary retention feature is the terminating action for the repetitive inspections. After installing the secondary retention feature, the repetitive inspections required by this AD end for that actuator.
Ban on installing unserviceable actuators
This AD prohibits installing any stabilizer actuator on Viking Model DHC-3 airplanes unless the actuator is a serviceable part. You must only install actuators that meet the serviceable/approved condition required by the directive.
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