AD 98-26-14 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 and 200) Series Airplanes

Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 and 200) series airplanes, serial numbers 7003 through 7246 inclusive; 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 (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 detect and correct chafing or cracking of all electrical wiring conduits in the center fuel tank and inadequate clearance between tube assemblies and adjacent structures, which could result in electrical arcing and consequent fire or explosion in the center fuel tank, accomplish the following: (a) Within 60 days or 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish a one-time visual inspection of all electrical wiring conduits located in the center fuel tank to detect discrepancies (chafing and cracking of conduits, and inadequate clearance between tube assemblies and adjacent structures), in accordance with Part A (Option 1) of the Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin SB A601R-28-036, Revision ``A,'' dated September 4, 1998. During the visual inspection of all electrical wiring conduits in the center fuel tank, pay particular attention to the right wing crossflow shutoff valve conduit. (1) If no discrepancy is found, no further action is required by this paragraph. (2) If any discrepancy is found that is within the limits specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin, no further action is required by this paragraph. (3) If any discrepancy is found that is outside the limits specified in the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin, prior to further flight, repair or replace any damaged conduit with a tube assembly (as specified in the alert service bulletin), and provide adequate clearance between the tube assembly and adjacent structure, in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. (b) Within 60 days or 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, install a bracket modification kit to reinforce the right wing crossflow shutoff valve conduit in the center fuel tank, in accordance with Part C of the Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin SB A601R-28-036, Revision ``A,'' dated September 4, 1998. (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, Engine and Propeller Directorate. 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. (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. (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Canadair Alert Service Bulletin SB A601R-28-036, Revision ``A,'' dated September 4, 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 Centreville, 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, Engine and Propeller Directorate, 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-98-35, dated September 15, 1998. (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 5, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 14, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-33540 Filed 12-18-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U