AD 92-20-04

92-20-04 CANADAIR, LTD.: Amendment 39-8378. Docket No. 91-NM-248-AD. Supersedes AD 91-17-02, Amendment 39-8000.

Applicability: Model CL-600-2A12 (CL-601) and CL-600-2B16 (CL-601-3A) series airplanes equipped with a tail cone fuel tank, installed in accordance with the Original Issue, Revision 1, or Revision 2 of Canadair Service Bulletin 601-0262, certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent the presence of fuel vapors in the aft equipment bay, which could result in an in-flight fire in the event of a lightning strike or other ignition source in the area, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 5 days after August 28, 1991 (the effective date of AD 91-17-02, Amendment 39-8000), or prior to refuelling of the tail cone fuel tank, whichever occurs later, perform a visual inspection of the unshrouded portion of the sensing line in the aft equipment bay to detect any damage or deformation, in accordance with Canadair Alert Wire TA601-0381-003, dated June 11, 1991. Thereafter, repeat the inspection prior to each refuelling. If damage or deformation of the sensing line is found as a result of the visual inspection, accomplish either subparagraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, in accordance with the alert wire:

(1) Prior to further flight, drain the tail cone fuel tank, and continue flight operations with no fuel in the tail cone fuel tank; or

(2) Prior to further flight, drain the tail cone fuel tank, replace the level control valve sensing line, and continue flight operations with fuel in the tail cone fuel tank.

(b) After each refuelling of the tail cone fuel tank, inspect for any signs of leakage from the fuel sensing line in the aft equipment bay and at the fuel shroud drain, in accordance with Canadair Alert Wire TA601-0381-003, dated June 11, 1991. If leakage is found, prior to further flight, either drain the tail cone fuel tank, or replace the tail cone fuel tanklevel control valve sensing line, in accordance with the alert wire.

(c) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, modify the sensing line; perform functional tests of the refuel/defuel line, tail tank fuel shroud, and tail tank sensing line; and perform an electrical bonding and resistance test on all fuel lines installed during this modification; in accordance with Canadair Alert Service Bulletin A601-0381, Revision 2, dated January 27, 1992.

(d) Modification of the sensing line, as required by paragraph (c) of this AD, constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (a) and (b) of this AD.

(e) 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: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the New York ACO.

(f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with FAR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

(g) The modification and test shall be done in accordance with Canadair Alert Service Bulletin A601-0381, Revision 2, dated January 27, 1992. 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. The inspection shall be done in accordance with Canadair Alert Wire TA601-0381-003, dated June 11, 1991. This incorporation by reference was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 28, 1991 (56 FR 38337, August 13, 1991). Copies may be obtained from Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station A, 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, 181 South Franklin Avenue, Room 202, Valley Stream, New York 11581; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

(h) This amendment becomes effective on November 17, 1992.