AD 99-21-11 Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100) Series Airplanes

Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100) series airplanes, serial numbers 7003 through 7067 inclusive and 7069 through 7250 inclusive; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability [[Page 54774]] 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 prevent increased risk of a short circuit and consequent electrical smoke or fire in the aft fuselage, accomplish the following: Inspection and Corrective Action (a) For all airplanes: Within 450 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD, in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin A601R-24-085, Revision ``C,'' dated November 5, 1998. (1) Perform a detailed visual inspection to detect damage of the input connector of the main battery charger and the wire harness between the electrical connectors for the main battery and the main battery charger. If any damage is detected, prior to further flight, repair it, or replace the wiring or connector with new or serviceable parts. (2) Perform a detailed visual inspection to detect damage of the input connector of the auxiliary power unit (APU) battery charger and the wire harness between the electrical connectors for the APU battery and the APU battery charger. If any damage is detected, prior to further flight, repair it, or replace the wiring or connector with new or serviceable parts. (3) Secure both the spin coupling ring of the input connector of the main battery charger and the spin coupling ring of the input connector of the APU battery charger by installing heat shrink tubing and ty-rap. Note 2: For the purpose of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc. may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.'' Modification or Replacement (b) For airplane serial numbers 7003 through 7067 inclusive and 7069 through 7249 inclusive: Within 450 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the actions in either paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of Canadair Alert Service Bulletin A601R-24-085, Revision ``C,'' dated November 5, 1998: (1) Install an external 5.1-Kohm resistor in the mid-voltage sensing wire for the main battery and an external 5.1-Kohm resistor in the mid-voltage sensing wire for the APU battery; or (2) Install main battery P/N 601R59041-3 and APU battery P/N 600-59151-11, which contain an internal resistor for the mid-voltage sensing wire. Alternative Methods of Compliance (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 3: 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 (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 Canadair Alert Service Bulletin A601R-24-085, Revision `C,' dated November 5, 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, 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 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian airworthiness directive CF-98-40, dated November 10, 1998. (f) This amendment becomes effective on November 12, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 29, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-25928 Filed 10-7-99 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-M