AD 2004-14-16

To detect and correct premature cracking of the main fittings of the MLGs, which could result in failure of the fittings and consequent collapse of the MLGs during landing, accomplish the following:

Note 1: Where this AD differs from the referenced service bulletin, the AD prevails.

(a) Before the accumulation of 2,500 total flight cycles on the MLGs, or within 250 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later: Do a detailed inspection on the main fittings of the MLGs to detect discrepancies (i.e., linear paint cracks or lack of paint (paint peeling), any other paint damage, adhesion, paint bulging, or corrosion), in accordance with Part A of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) A601R-32-088, dated February 20, 2003. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 flight cycles.

Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.”

(b) If any discrepancy is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, before further flight: Do the related investigative/corrective actions in accordance with Part B or F of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier ASB A601R-32-088, including Appendices A and C, dated February 20, 2003. If an eddy current inspection (a related investigative action specified in Part B) is used to confirm the detailed inspection findings, the next eddy current required by paragraph (c) of this AD must be conducted within 500 flight cycles after the eddy current inspection specified in this paragraph, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles.

(c) At the time specified in paragraph (a) of this AD, do an eddy current inspection on the main fittings of the MLGs to detect cracks in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier ASB A601R-32-088, including Appendix A, dated February 20, 2003. Repeat the eddy current inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles. If any crack is found, before further flight, replace the affected main fittings of the MLGs with new or serviceable fittings in accordance with paragraph E.(5) of Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of service bulletin.

(d) Before the accumulation of 2,500 total flight cycles on the MLGs, or within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, service the shock strut of the MLGs in accordance with Part C or D, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier ASB A601R-32-088, including Appendix B, dated February 20, 2003.

(e) Within 500 flight cycles after completing the servicing required by paragraph (d) of this AD, inspect the shock strut of the MLGs for nitrogen pressure, visible chrome dimension, and oil leakage in accordance with Part E of the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier ASB A601R-32-088, including Appendix B, dated February 20, 2003. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 500 flight cycles. If the nitrogen pressure and visible chrome dimensions are found outside the limits (the service bulletin refers to the airplane maintenance manual as the source of defined limits) and/or oil leakage is found, before further flight, service the affected shock strut of the MLGs in accordance with Part C or D, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.

(f) Submit a report of any positive finding of any eddy current inspection done per paragraph (b) or (c) of this AD, after each such inspection required by this AD, to Bombardier Aerospace, In-Service Engineering, attention Jean Gauthier, fax (514) 855-7708, e-mail jean.gauthier@notes.canadair.ca, at the applicable time specified in paragraph (f)(1) or (f)(2) of this AD. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

(1) If any eddy current inspection is done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the applicable inspection.

(2) If any eddy current inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

(g) Although the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin referenced in this AD specifies to submit a comment sheet related to service bulletin quality and a sheet recording compliance to the airplane manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement.

(h) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.