AD 2003-17-08 Airworthiness Directives; Learjet Model 45 Airplanes

Models named: 45. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model 45 airplanes, certificated in any category; serial numbers (S/N) 45-005 through 45-071 inclusive, that have been modified per Bombardier Service Bulletin 45-32-3; and S/Ns 45-072 through 45-114 inclusive. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise 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)(1) 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 moisture contamination and subsequent formation of ice which could cause bending and damage of the squat switch assembly of the nose landing gear (NLG), driving the nose wheel to an uncommanded angle against the force of the steering system, and consequently resulting in the airplane departing the runway at high speeds during landing, accomplish the following: Restatement of Requirements of AD 2000-22-04, Amendment 39-11950 Application of Grease (a) Within 30 days after December 6, 2000 (the effective date of AD 2000-22-04, amendment 39-11950): Apply grease to the rotating disk assembly of the squat switch mechanism of the nose wheel in accordance with Bombardier Service Information Letter SIL 32-016, dated March 30, 2000. Thereafter, repeat this application at intervals not to exceed 30 days until the replacement required by paragraph (b) of this AD is accomplished. New Requirements of This AD Terminating Action (b) Within 300 flight hours or 12 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Replace the camrod of the squat switch assembly of the NLG with a new assembly in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin SB 45-32-8, Revision 2, dated March 14, 2001. Accomplishment of the camrod replacement terminates the requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c)(1) 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, Wichita 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, Wichita ACO. (2) Alternative methods of compliance, approved previously in accordance with AD 2000-22-04, amendment 39-11950, are approved as alternative methods of compliance with this AD. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Wichita 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 actions shall be done in accordance with Bombardier Service Information Letter SIL 32-016, dated March 30, 2000; and Bombardier Service Bulletin SB 45-32-8, Revision 2, dated March 14, 2001; as applicable. (1) The incorporation by reference of Bombardier Service Bulletin SB 45-32-8, Revision 2, dated March 14, 2001, is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) The incorporation by reference of Bombardier Service Information Letter SIL 32-016, dated March 30, 2000, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 6, 2000 (65 FR 65257, November 1, 2000). (3) Copies may be obtained from Learjet, Inc., One Learjet Way, Wichita, Kansas 67209-2942. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent Airport, Wichita, Kansas; 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 September 24, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 13, 2003. Kyle L. Olsen, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-21155 Filed 8-19-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P