AD 2003-16-13 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes

Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes having serial numbers 7003 through 7067 inclusive and 7069 through 7109 inclusive, certificated in any category; excluding those airplanes on which the actions specified in Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-024, dated May 21, 1996, have been accomplished. (This applicability includes airplanes informally identified as “Series 200.”)

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent a fire hazard in the main fuel tanks due to fuel spillage, accomplish the following: Installation (a) Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD, install new vent tube assemblies for the main fuel tanks, per Part A of paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-024, Revision “A”, dated November 11, 1998. Inspection and Corrective Action (b) For airplanes having serial numbers 7003 through 7035 inclusive, and 7048 through 7057 inclusive: Before further flight after installing the vent tube assemblies as required by paragraph (a) of this AD, perform a general visual inspection to measure the clearance between the vent system tubing and the applicable wing rib, per Part B of paragraph 2.B. of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-024, Revision “A,” dated November 11, 1998. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” (1) If the clearance between the vent system tubing and the applicable wing rib is 0.125 inch or more, no further action is required by this paragraph. (2) If the clearance between the vent system tubing and the applicable wing rib is less than 0.125 inch, prior to further flight, install the bracket assemblies per paragraphs 2.B.(8) through 2.B.(10) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (d) The actions shall be done in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-28-024, Revision “A,” dated November 11, 1998. 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, P.O. 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 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2001-31, dated August 7, 2001. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on September 22, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 7, 2003. Neil D. Schalekamp, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-20711 Filed 8-15-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P