AD 2003-02-51 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 and 701) Series Airplanes

Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 and 701) series airplanes, serial numbers (S/N) 10005 and subsequent; certificated in any category. 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 (e) 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 detect and correct discrepancies in the fuel distribution system, which could cause the center tank to overfill and fuel to leak from the center tank vent system or to 2 become inaccessible, and could result in engine fuel starvation, accomplish the following: Revision of Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) (a) Within 2 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the applicable Limitations, Normal Procedures, and Abnormal Procedures sections of Canadair Regional Jet Series 700 AFM CSP B-012 by incorporating Canadair Temporary Revision (TR) RJ 700/42, dated January 14, 2003, and operate the airplane in accordance with those limitations and procedures. (b) When the information incorporating Canadair Temporary Revision RJ 700/42, dated January 14, 2003, has been incorporated into the general revisions of the AFM, the general revisions may be incorporated into the AFM, and these TRs may be removed from the AFM. (c) Within 2 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations section of Canadair Regional Jet Series 700 AFM CSP B-012 to limit operation of the airplane to flight within 30 minutes of a suitable alternative airport. This action may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the AFM. Accomplishment of this action constitutes terminating action for the AFM revision required by paragraphs (c) and (g) of AD 2002-08-19, amendment 12731. (d) Within 2 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations section of Canadair Regional Jet Series 700 of AFM CSP B-012 to specify that, prior to each further flight, the center fuel quantity must be limited to 1,500 lbs. maximum at takeoff. This action may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the Limitations section of the AFM. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) 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 shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, New York ACO. Note 2: 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 (f) 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, provided the limitations provided in paragraphs (f)(1), (f)(2), and (f)(3) of this AD are provided in the special flight permit: (1) Normal mission fuel requirements must be increased by 3000 lbs. (2) Operations must be within thirty (30) minutes of a suitable alternate airport. (3) Center fuel tank limited to 1,500 lbs at takeoff. Incorporation by Reference (g) The AFM revision required by paragraph (a) of this AD shall be done in accordance with Canadair Temporary Revision RJ 700/42, dated January 14, 2003. 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. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2003-01, dated January 15, 2003. Effective Date (h) This amendment becomes effective on February 10, 2003, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 2003-02-51, issued January 16, 2003, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 24, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-2151 Filed 2-4-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P