AD 2002-26-07 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701) Series Airplanes

Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701) series airplanes, certificated in any category, on which auxiliary power unit (APU) Model RE220(RJ), part number WE3800770-2, is installed. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent fuel from being sprayed throughout the APU compartment and drawn out of the APU exhaust duct due to a cracked APU fuel nozzle, which could result in a fire or explosion in the APU compartment during flight, accomplish the following: Revision of Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) (a) Within 1 day after the effective date of this AD, revise the “Limitations—Power Plant” section of the FAA-approved Canadair Regional Jet Series 700 (AFM) to include the information specified in Temporary Revision RJ 700/28-2, dated November 5, 2002, which advises the flightcrew to limit use of the APU to ground operation only, except for those in-flight emergencies described in the AFM when use of the APU is specified. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of Temporary Revision RJ 700/28-2 into the AFM. Optional Terminating Action (b) Replacement of all APU fuel nozzles with new fuel nozzles (including installing new seals and washers; torqueing the bolts and fuel manifold connector within specified ranges; and then reidentifying the APU) in accordance with Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin RE220-49-A7714, dated November 4, 2002, terminates the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD. After the replacement, the limitations required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed from the AFM. Note 2: The “Limitations—Power Plant” procedures specified by paragraph (a) of this AD are required to be implemented only on affected airplanes, i.e. , those with APU Model RE220(RJ), part number WE3800770-2, installed. However, individual pilots may operate other airplanes that do not have the subject APU installed, and that are not subject to those limitations and procedures. Therefore, to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding, it is important that airlines have communication mechanisms in place to ensure that pilots are aware, for each flight, whether the limitations apply. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Operators must submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance/Operations Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, New York ACO. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the New York ACO. Special Flight Permits (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (e) The required actions shall be done in accordance with Canadair Regional Jet Series 700 Airplane Flight Manual Temporary Revision RJ 700/28-2, dated November 5, 2002. The replacement, if accomplished, shall be done in accordance with Honeywell Alert Service Bulletin RE220-49-A7714, dated November 4, 2002. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, PO Box 6087, Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 10 Fifth Street, Third Floor, Valley Stream, New York; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 17, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 23, 2002. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-32878 Filed 12-31-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U