AD 2009-05-04 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T Variant) and CL-215-6B11 (CL-415 Variant) Airplanes

This AD applies to the following airplanes, certificated in any category: (1) Bombardier Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-215T variant) airplanes, serial numbers 1056 through 1125 inclusive, and (2) Bombardier Model CL-215-6B11 (CL-415 variant) airplanes, serial numbers 2001 through 2990 inclusive.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Inspections (f) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, do a detailed inspection for contamination of grease, a bearing wear check, and grease application of the rudder lower torque tube upper bearing, and do a rudder upper hinge gap check, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-3151, dated May 5, 2008 (for 215T variant airplanes); or Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-4394, dated May 5, 2008 (for 415 variant airplanes); as applicable. Do all related investigative and corrective actions before further flight in accordance with the service bulletin, as applicable. Repeat the detailed inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 6 months. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.” Exception to Service Bulletin Specifications (g) Although Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-3151, dated May 5, 2008; and Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-4394, dated May 5, 2008; specify to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (h) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), ANE-170, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Fabio Buttitta, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7303; fax (516) 794-5531. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. Related Information (i) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2008-29, dated August 20, 2008, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-3151, dated May 5, 2008; or Bombardier Service Bulletin 215-4394, dated May 5, 2008; as applicable; to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Bombardier, Inc., 400 Côte-Vertu Road West, Dorval, Québec H4S 1Y9, Canada; telephone 514-855-5000; fax 514-855-7401; e-mail thd.crj@aero.bombardier.com ; Internet http://www.bombardier.com . (3) You may review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221 or 425-227-1152. (4) You may also review copies of the service information at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html . Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 17, 2009. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-3864 Filed 2-26-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a report of corrosion on the rudder lower torque tube upper bearing. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct corroded bearings which could lead to hinge deformation, and could result in a rudder jam and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.