Narrative:

On initial climbout; we lost both flight directors after the captain used the tcs button and was not able to regain guidance using the various modes on the fgcp. After reaching 10;000 ft MSL; I referenced the checklist for an appropriate checklist to complete. I referenced the avionics chapter; specifically looking for references to the flight director; but none of the checklists seemed to fit our situation. I also looked for a checklist referring to the tcs; but again nothing seemed appropriate. We discussed the situation and decided to request a block altitude from ATC for cruise; which we were granted. We also notified ATC of our situation. As the pilot monitoring; I notified dispatch and maintenance control of our situation. Upon reaching cruise altitude; I scanned the master index in the checklist to make sure that I had not missed an appropriate checklist. As we became established on the RNAV arrival; the controller asked us if we would be able to fly it without the flight director. We quickly discussed the required lateral containment of 1 NM either side of course and responded yes; we could continue with the arrival. I then referenced the fom for any guidance on our situation. I found a reference to RNAV sids and stars - flight director that states: 'RNAV-1 sids require the use of the flight director.' I perceived this as excluding RNAV-1 stars and felt our position was justified. We completed the flight without incident. I later looked at the MEL 34-60-1 flight directors which states 'do not conduct RNAV stars.' I feel that we may have inappropriately continued an RNAV arrival without the required equipment. After the flight; I also did a search on my ipad in the abnormal checklist using the term 'flight director' and came up with the checklist 'afcs controller inop (pfd)'. This seems like it may have been the most appropriate checklist for the situation. It does say that RNAV stars are not authorized. Once I found the section in the fom which seemed applicable to our situation; I believed that we were not prohibited from flying the RNAV STAR in our situation. A contributing factor was our workload at this point; we were just beginning the descent and I only scanned this page until I found what I was looking for. On this same page under ATC radar vectoring; the prohibition on flying RNAV-1 STAR's is alluded to. Had I taken the time to read this in detail; I would have noticed this. Given my perceived time constraints; I only scanned the page for what I could recognize as pertinent. The question of radar vectors was not an immediate concern. Upon subsequent cross reference with the MEL; I now believe we were wrong to accept this RNAV STAR.

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Original NASA ASRS Text

Title: Q400 flight crew experiences a Flight Director failure on departure and cannot find any direction in the FOM or Abnormal Checklist. After accepting and flying an RNAV arrival it is determined that perhaps they should not have.

Narrative: On initial climbout; we lost both flight directors after the Captain used the TCS button and was not able to regain guidance using the various modes on the FGCP. After reaching 10;000 FT MSL; I referenced the checklist for an appropriate checklist to complete. I referenced the avionics chapter; specifically looking for references to the Flight Director; but none of the checklists seemed to fit our situation. I also looked for a checklist referring to the TCS; but again nothing seemed appropriate. We discussed the situation and decided to request a block altitude from ATC for cruise; which we were granted. We also notified ATC of our situation. As the pilot monitoring; I notified Dispatch and Maintenance Control of our situation. Upon reaching cruise altitude; I scanned the Master Index in the checklist to make sure that I had not missed an appropriate checklist. As we became established on the RNAV arrival; the Controller asked us if we would be able to fly it without the Flight Director. We quickly discussed the required lateral containment of 1 NM either side of course and responded yes; we could continue with the arrival. I then referenced the FOM for any guidance on our situation. I found a reference to RNAV SIDs and STARs - Flight Director that states: 'RNAV-1 SIDS require the use of the Flight Director.' I perceived this as excluding RNAV-1 STARS and felt our position was justified. We completed the flight without incident. I later looked at the MEL 34-60-1 FLIGHT DIRECTORS which states 'do not conduct RNAV STARS.' I feel that we may have inappropriately continued an RNAV arrival without the required equipment. After the flight; I also did a search on my iPad in the Abnormal Checklist using the term 'flight director' and came up with the checklist 'AFCS Controller Inop (PFD)'. This seems like it may have been the most appropriate checklist for the situation. It does say that RNAV STARS are not authorized. Once I found the section in the FOM which seemed applicable to our situation; I believed that we were not prohibited from flying the RNAV STAR in our situation. A contributing factor was our workload at this point; we were just beginning the descent and I only scanned this page until I found what I was looking for. On this same page under ATC Radar Vectoring; the prohibition on flying RNAV-1 STAR's is alluded to. Had I taken the time to read this in detail; I would have noticed this. Given my perceived time constraints; I only scanned the page for what I could recognize as pertinent. The question of radar vectors was not an immediate concern. Upon subsequent cross reference with the MEL; I now believe we were wrong to accept this RNAV STAR.

Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.