Regarding the opening of the Main Cabin Door DASH 8-100 Tail #805 Upon opening the main

cabin door to prepare for our charter, the captain noticed that the MCD did not drop completely open on its own. He commented on this to mechanics nearby, as we were in close proximity to the hangar, and together, they opened and closed the door, and tested whether it improved. It should be noted that the mechanic who was in the aircraft closing the door had to jump back as the door swung up so quickly it almost hit him in the face. Although the door still did not open fully on its own, we decided to proceed with the flight, as we (as a crew) were aware of the door situation, and the captain would snag the door in the Aircraft Journey Log Book upon our return Apr 1. We were requested to return with the aircraft immediately upon deplaning our charter pax as the aircraft was needed to fly Mar 31 p.m. Captain Broomhead then messaged maintenance as well as snagging the problem, so they could meet the aircraft and potentially prevent any delays to the outbound flight. Upon our return Apr 1, to continue the return leg of the charter, it was noted that the MCD was still not opening on its own. Capt. Broomhead called maintenance and the mechanic who met us at the aircraft was in possession of a Maintenance Technical Information Bulletin regarding the Minimum Opening Time of the Main Cabin Door DH8-52-08 Emergency Operation Test Timing the operation, unlatch the door Push outwards forcefully from convenient location near door As door opens past mark, place hands on handrails and as it passes way mark, place one foot on 1st step below door sill Apply weight as necessary to ensure door moves to full open position ASAP (full weight permitted) Stop timing when door reaches full open position If door opened within 10 seconds it is serviceable If door opened in excess of 10 seconds, the captain of aircraft is to complete the test. If in his/her opinion the door operates satisfactorily, the door is serviceable for continued flight

However, according to the Flight Attendant Manual, section 8, page 9 Emergency Operation 1L 8.4.3.1 the procedure for opening the MCD in an emergency is: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Assess inside and outside conditions through a passenger window With both hands, push the door operating handle up fully to open Push the stairs/door out and down Door will drop Take protective position

These seem to be in conflict of each other. If maintenance are performing tests for the opening of the door using force, what they are deeming to be serviceable isnt necessarily what we, as flight attendants are expecting in terms of our procedures for opening the door in an emergency. Our manual does not instruct us to use force to ensure the door opens fully, and it seems there is the possibility for injury resulting from an ineffective/inefficient evacuation, either to the flight attendant or

to passengers. If the flight attendant has to go to the top of the door to ensure that it is fully down, there is the possibility that he/she could be pushed out the door with the outflow of evacuating and possibly panicking passengers, thus hampering the opening of the remaining exits as well as the shouted commands.