AD 2004-22-23

To prevent fractures of the main landing gear (MLG) side-brace fitting shafts, and possible collapse of the MLG, accomplish the following:

(a) Within 20 months or 4,000 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a general visual inspection of the shafts of the side-brace fittings of the MLG for corrosion, and of the forward and aft bushings in the left-hand and right-hand MLG side-brace fittings for discrepancies (gouges, scores, corrosion, or other damage); and any applicable corrective and related actions. Do all of the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-57-036, Revision “C”, including Appendix A, dated January 30, 2003. Do any applicable corrective and related actions before further flight. Where the service bulletin specifies to contact the manufacturer for certain replacement instructions: Before further flight, replace per a method approved by either the Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA; or Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA) (or its delegated agent).

Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”

(b) Submit a report of any corrosion of the shafts of the side-brace fittings of the MLG found during the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD to the Bombardier Technical Help Desk at fax number (514) 833-8501. Submit the report at the applicable time specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD. Submission of the Field-Report Data Sheet in Appendix A of the service bulletin is an acceptable method for complying with this requirement. Include the inspection results (including the percentage of the corrosion), a digital photo of the shafts (if available), the location (zone) in which the corrosion is found, the serial number of the airplane, the name of the inspector, the service bulletin number, and the date of the inspection. 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 the inspections are done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.

(2) If the inspections were done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

(c) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-57-036, including Appendix A, dated April 30, 2002; Revision “A”, including Appendix A, dated May 17, 2002; or Revision “B”, including Appendix A, dated July 4, 2002; are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD.

(d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, New York ACO, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

(e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with Bombardier Service Bulletin 601R-57-036, Revision “C”, including Appendix A, dated January 30, 2003. 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, New York Aircraft Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, suite 410, Westbury, New York; or 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.

Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2002-41, dated September 20, 2002.