[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 170 (Thursday, September 2, 2004)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 53609-53614]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-20014]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2004-18993; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-125-AD; 
Amendment 39-13781; AD 2004-18-03]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional 
Jet Series 700 & 701), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) Series 
Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive 
(AD) for certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 
& 701), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) series airplanes. 
That AD currently requires revising the airplane flight manual to 
advise the flightcrew to monitor the fuel quantity in the center fuel 
tank throughout the flight. That AD also requires repetitive tests to 
detect a fuel leak between the wing fuel tanks and the center fuel 
tank; and further related investigative and corrective actions, if 
necessary. For certain airplanes, that AD also requires installation of 
flexible hoses and brackets in the fuel feed system. This AD reduces 
the compliance times for the repetitive checks, requires replacement of 
primary fuel feed ejectors with new ejectors, and provides an optional 
center fuel tank empty procedure. This AD is prompted by reports of 
cracking in the primary fuel ejector. We are issuing this AD to detect 
and correct cracking in any primary fuel ejector, which could cause 
fuel leakage into the center fuel tank, and could result in engine 
shutdown during flight.

DATES: Effective September 17, 2004.
    The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in 
the AD was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register 
as of April 15, 2004 (69 FR 16780, March 31, 2004).
    We must receive any comments on this AD by November 1, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this AD.

[[Page 53610]]

     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street SW., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    You can get the service information identified in this AD from 
Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, Station 
Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. You may examine this 
information 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.
    You may examine the contents of this AD docket on the Internet at 
http://dms.dot.gov, or at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, on 
the plaza level of the Nassif Building, Washington, DC.

Docket Management System (DMS)

    The FAA has implemented new procedures for maintaining AD dockets 
electronically. As of May 17, 2004, new AD actions are posted on DMS 
and assigned a docket number. We track each action and assign a 
corresponding directorate identifier. The DMS AD docket number is in 
the form ``Docket No. FAA-2004-99999.'' The Transport Airplane 
Directorate identifier is in the form ``Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-
999-AD.'' Each DMS AD docket also lists the directorate identifier 
(``Old Docket Number'') as a cross-reference for searching purposes.

Examining the Dockets

    You can examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT street 
address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in 
the AD docket shortly after the DMS receives them.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: James Delisio, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ANE-171, FAA, New York Aircraft 
Certification Office, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, New 
York 11590; telephone (516) 228-7321; fax (516) 794-5531.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On March 19, 2004, we issued AD 2004-07-01, 
amendment 39-13545 (69 FR 16780, March 31, 2004). That AD applies to 
certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional Jet Series 700 & 701), 
and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) series airplanes. That AD 
requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to advise the 
flightcrew to monitor the fuel quantity in the center fuel tank 
throughout the flight. That AD also requires repetitive tests to detect 
a fuel leak between the wing fuel tanks and the center fuel tank; and 
further related investigative and corrective actions, if necessary. For 
certain airplanes, that AD also requires installation of flexible hoses 
and brackets in the fuel feed system. That AD was prompted by reports 
of longitudinal cracks found in a primary fuel ejector on affected 
airplanes. The actions specified in that AD are intended to detect and 
correct cracking of the primary fuel ejectors, which could cause fuel 
leakage into the center fuel tank, and could result in engine shutdown 
during flight.

Actions Since AD Was Issued

    Since we issued that AD, Transport Canada Civil Aviation (TCCA), 
which is the airworthiness authority for Canada, has issued Canadian 
airworthiness directive CF-2004-04R2, issued April 16, 2004. The 
revised Canadian airworthiness directive mandates a revision to the 
AFM, replacement of certain primary fuel feed ejectors, and operational 
leak checks of the center tank; and provides for an optional center 
fuel tank empty procedure.

Relevant Service Information

    Bombardier has issued the following temporary revisions (TRs) to 
the AFM:
     CRJ Regional Jet (Bombardier) TR RJ 700/52-2, dated 
December 19, 2003, to the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 AFM, Document 
CSP B-012; and
     CRJ Regional Jet (Bombardier) TR RJ 900/10-1, dated 
December 19, 2003, to the Bombardier Model CL-600-2D24 AFM, Document 
CSP C-012.
    These TRs describe revisions to the Abnormal Procedures section of 
the AFM to advise the flightcrew to monitor the fuel quantity in the 
center fuel tank throughout the flight.
    Bombardier has also issued CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet Alert Service 
Bulletin 670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003. This 
service bulletin describes procedures for performing repetitive checks 
to detect fuel leaking between the wing tanks and the center tank. The 
leak check involves filling the wing fuel tanks with a specified 
quantity of fuel, and monitoring the amount of fuel increase in the 
center tank over time. The service bulletin also describes procedures 
for sending the results of the leak check to the Bombardier Technical 
Help Desk.
    If the amount of fuel increase in the center fuel tank is more than 
150 pounds (68 Kilograms (kgs)), the service bulletin describes 
procedures for further related investigative and corrective actions. 
The related investigative action involves doing a general visual 
inspection of the center tank (including the ejectors and fuel system 
components) to determine the source of the leak. When the source of the 
leak is found, the corrective action involves replacing any cracked or 
damaged part with a new part. The service bulletin also includes 
directions for faxing inspection results and for sending all replaced 
parts to Bombardier.
    For airplanes having serial numbers 10005 through 10065 inclusive, 
the service bulletin specifies that, before the leak check, flexible 
hoses and brackets must be installed in the fuel feed system in 
accordance with CRJ 700 Regional Jet (Bombardier) Service Bulletin 
670BA-28-008, Revision C, dated January 23, 2003. These installations 
are intended to address conditions that can result in fuel line and 
coupling damage, and leakage due to the combined effects of 
installation misalignment and vibration.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information will 
adequately address the unsafe condition. TCCA mandated the service 
information and issued Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2004-04R2, 
issued April 16, 2004, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these 
airplanes in Canada.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This AD

    These airplane models are manufactured in Canada and are type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the TCCA has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation

[[Page 53611]]

described above. We have examined the TCCA's findings, evaluated all 
pertinent information, and determined that we need to issue an AD for 
products of this type design that are certificated for operation in the 
United States. Therefore, we are issuing this AD to detect and correct 
cracking of the primary fuel ejectors, which could cause fuel leakage 
into the center fuel tank, and could result in engine shutdown during 
flight.
    This AD requires you to use the service information described 
previously to perform these actions, except as discussed under the 
following paragraph.

Differences Among the Canadian Airworthiness Directive, Service 
Bulletin, and This AD

    The Canadian airworthiness directive allows for leak checks to be 
performed in accordance with CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) 
Alert Service Bulletin 670BA-28-025, original issue, dated December 12, 
2003; or CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) Alert Service Bulletin 
670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003. However, this AD 
requires those actions to be done in accordance with Revision A. 
Revision A contains significant changes to certain procedures.
    Additionally, the Canadian airworthiness directive requires the 
leak checks to be accomplished ``between each flight.'' However, we 
consider that performing the leak check once a day, in addition to 
requiring use of procedures for operation with the center fuel tank 
empty for those primary ejectors that exceed 3,500 flight hours, 
provides an adequate level of safety.
    Although the Canadian airworthiness directive specifies that the 
pilots receive a briefing on the procedure in use for the leak check, 
this AD does not require that briefing, since the pre-flight procedures 
associated with performing the leak check should be accomplished by 
appropriate maintenance personnel.
    Although Service Bulletin 670BA-28-025, Revision A, recommends and 
the Canadian airworthiness directive mandates sending reports of 
certain findings to the manufacturer, this AD does not include those 
requirements.
    Although Service Bulletin 670BA-28-025, Revision A, includes 
instructions for sending all damaged parts to the manufacturer, this AD 
does not include that requirement.
    The differences cited above have been coordinated with the TCCA.

Clarification of the Use of Certain Terms

    In AD 2004-07-01, we used the term ``leak test'' for certain 
requirements. For the purposes of this AD, we have revised the term 
``leak test'' to specify ``leak check.'' We made this change in order 
to more closely follow the intent and terminology of the referenced 
service information and the airworthiness directive issued by the TCCA. 
We consider that using the term ``leak check'' will clarify certain 
requirements.

Change to Existing AD

    This AD would retain certain requirements of AD 2004-07-01. Since 
AD 2004-07-01 was issued, the AD format has been revised, and certain 
paragraphs have been rearranged. As a result, the corresponding 
paragraph identifiers have changed in this AD, as listed in the 
following table:

                      Revised Paragraph Identifiers
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            Corresponding requirement in
       Requirement in AD 2004-07-01                    this AD
------------------------------------------------------------------------
paragraph (a).............................  paragraph (f).
paragraph (b).............................  paragraph (g).
paragraph (c).............................  paragraph (h).
paragraph (d).............................  paragraph (i).
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action until final action is 
identified, at which time we may consider further rulemaking.

FAA's Determination of the Effective Date

    An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of 
this AD; therefore, providing notice and opportunity for public comment 
before the AD is issued is impracticable, and good cause exists to make 
this AD effective in less than 30 days.

Comments Invited

    This AD is a final rule that involves requirements that affect 
flight safety and was not preceded by notice and an opportunity for 
public comment; however, we invite you to submit any relevant written 
data, views, or arguments regarding this AD. Send your comments to an 
address listed under ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2004-18993; 
Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-125-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the AD. We will consider 
all comments received by the closing date and may amend the AD in light 
of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this AD. Using the search function of our docket 
web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our dockets, 
including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or signed 
the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal 
Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you may visit 
http://dms.dot.gov.
    We are reviewing the writing style we currently use in regulatory 
documents. We are interested in your comments on whether the style of 
this document is clear, and your suggestions to improve the clarity of 
our communications with you. You can get more information about plain 
language at http://www.faa.gov/language and http://www.plainlanguage.gov.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this AD will not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a 
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between 
the national Government and the States, or on the distribution of power 
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD. See the ADDRESSES section for a location to 
examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends part 39 of the Federal

[[Page 53612]]

Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by removing amendment 39-13545 (69 FR 
16780, March 31, 2004) and adding the following new AD:

2004-18-03 Bombardier, Inc. (Formerly Canadair): Docket No. FAA-
2004-18993; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-125-AD; Amendment 39-
13781.

Effective Date

    (a) This AD becomes effective September 17, 2004.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-07-01, amendment 39-13545 (69 FR 
16780, March 31, 2004).

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 (Regional 
Jet Series 700 & 701), and CL-600-2D24 (Regional Jet Series 900) 
series airplanes; as listed in CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) 
Alert Service Bulletin 670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15, 
2003; certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD was prompted by reports of cracking in the primary 
fuel ejector. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking 
in the primary fuel ejector, which could cause fuel leakage into the 
center fuel tank and could result in engine shutdown during flight.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Requirements of AD 2004-07-01

Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revisions

    (f) Within 14 days after April 15, 2004 (the effective date of 
AD 2004-07-01, amendment 39-13545): Revise the Abnormal Procedures 
section of the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 and Model CL-600-2D24 
AFM, Documents CSP B-012 and CSP C-012, to include the applicable 
temporary revisions (TR) specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) 
of this AD. Thereafter, operate the airplane per the limitations 
specified in these AFM revisions.
    (1) CRJ Regional Jet (Bombardier) TR RJ 700/52-2, dated December 
19, 2003, to the Bombardier Model CL-600-2C10 AFM, Document CSP B-
012.
    (2) CRJ Regional Jet (Bombardier) TR RJ 900/10-1, dated December 
19, 2003, to the Bombardier Model CL-600-2D24 AFM, Document CSP C-
012.

    Note 1: When information identical to that in the applicable TR 
specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD has been 
included in the general revisions of the applicable AFM, the general 
revisions may be inserted into the AFM, and the TR may be removed 
from the AFM.

Prior Requirement

    (g) For airplanes having serial numbers (S/N) 10005 through 
10065, inclusive; prior to accomplishing the leak test required by 
paragraph (h) of this AD, install flexible hoses and brackets in the 
fuel feed system in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Bombardier CRJ 700 Regional Jet Service Bulletin 670BA-28-008, 
Revision C, dated January 23, 2003.

Leak Tests

    (h) At the applicable compliance time, for the applicable S/N in 
Table 1 of this AD, do a leak test between the wing tanks and the 
center fuel tank in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) Alert Service Bulletin 
670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003. Thereafter, 
repeat the leak test at intervals not to exceed 450 flight hours.

                     Table 1.--Leak Test Thresholds
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  Accumulated flight
          Airplane S/N            hours (as of April      Inspection
                                       14, 2004)           threshold
------------------------------------------------------------------------
10005 through 10065, inclusive..  More than 2,500     Within 100 flight
                                   flight hours        hours after April
                                   since               15, 2004.
                                   accomplishment of
                                   the service
                                   bulletin in
                                   paragraph (g) of
                                   this AD.
---------------------------------
10005 through 10065, inclusive..  2,500 flight hours  Within 250 flight
                                   or less since       hours after April
                                   accomplishment of   15, 2004.
                                   the service
                                   bulletin in
                                   paragraph (g) of
                                   this AD.
---------------------------------
10003 and 10004; 10066 through    2,500 flight hours  Within 100 flight
 10999, inclusive; and 15001       or more since the   hours after April
 through 15990, inclusive.         date of issuance    15, 2004.
                                   of the original
                                   Airworthiness
                                   Certificate or
                                   the date of
                                   issuance of the
                                   Export
                                   Certificate of
                                   Airworthiness,
                                   whichever occurs
                                   first.
---------------------------------
10003 and 10004; 10066 through    2,499 flight hours  Within 450 flight
 10999, inclusive; and 15001       or less since the   hours after April
 through 15990, inclusive.         date of issuance    15, 2004.
                                   of the original
                                   Airworthiness
                                   Certificate or
                                   the date of
                                   issuance of the
                                   Export
                                   Certificate of
                                   Airworthiness,
                                   whichever occurs
                                   first.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Detailed Inspection and Repair

    (i) If, during the leak test required by paragraph (h) of this 
AD, the amount of fuel increase in the center fuel tank is 150 
pounds (68 kilograms (Kgs)) or more: Before further flight, do the 
further investigative and corrective actions, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) 
Alert Service Bulletin 670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15, 
2003.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is 
``an intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or 
assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirrors magnifying lenses, etc. may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate procedures may be required.''

New Requirements of This AD

Determination of Flight Hours and Replacement of Primary Fuel Feed 
Ejectors

    (j) Within three days after the effective date of this AD, 
determine the number of total flight hours on each of the two 
primary fuel feed ejectors having part number (P/N) T99A38-603.
    (1) For any fuel feed ejector with 4,500 or more total flight 
hours, before further flight, replace it with a new ejector in 
accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment

[[Page 53613]]

Instructions of CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) Alert Service 
Bulletin (ASB) 670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003.
    (2) For any primary fuel feed ejector with less than 4,500 total 
flight hours, replace the primary fuel feed ejector, P/N T99A38-603, 
with a new ejector, in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) ASB 670BA-28-
025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003, at the later of the times 
specified in paragraph (j)(2)(i) or (j)(2)(ii) of this AD.
    (i) Before the accumulation of 3,500 total flight hours on a 
primary fuel feed ejector.
    (ii) Before the accumulation of 4,500 total flight hours on a 
primary fuel feed ejector, or within 750 flight hours after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first.
    (3) Following replacement with a new ejector in accordance with 
paragraph (j)(2)(i) or (j)(2)(ii) of this AD, primary fuel feed 
ejectors must be replaced before accumulating 3,500 total flight 
hours.

Daily Leak Checks or Fuel Tank Empty Procedures

    (k) Except as stated in paragraph (l) of this AD, before 
accumulating 2,000 total flight hours or within 14 days after the 
effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, begin doing the 
actions specified in paragraph (m) or (p) of this AD. Accomplishing 
the actions specified in paragraph (m) or (p) of this AD ends the 
leak test (check) requirements of paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (l) For any primary fuel feed ejector with 3,500 or more total 
flight hours as of the effective date of this AD, within 14 days 
after the effective date of this AD, begin doing the actions 
specified in paragraph (p) of this AD, and repeat those actions 
until the ejector is replaced in accordance with paragraph (j) of 
this AD.

Daily Operational Leak Checks

    (m) Once a day, before the first flight of the day: With both 
engines operating at ground idle or taxi thrust, open both L&R XFER 
SOV circuit breakers, 1N9 and 2P8, and monitor the fuel quantity of 
the center fuel tank for five minutes, in accordance with Part A of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet 
(Bombardier) ASB 670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003. 
For the daily check, the fuel quantity in the center fuel tank must 
be 4,000 pounds or less.

    Note 3: If the center fuel tank contains fuel when doing this 
check, the following engine indicating and crew alerting system 
(EICAS) caution message may be displayed: ``L XFER SOV and/or R XFER 
SOV.''

Leak Check Results

    (n) Do the actions specified in paragraph (n)(1) or (n)(2) of 
this AD as applicable.
    (1) If the leak check reveals that there is no fuel quantity 
increase in the center fuel tank or the fuel quantity increase is 
less than 150 pounds (68 kilograms (kg)): Before further flight, 
close the circuit breakers in accordance with Part B of the 
Accomplishment Instructions of CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) 
ASB 670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003.
    (2) If the leak check reveals a fuel quantity increase of 150 
pounds or more in the center fuel tank: Before further flight, do 
the investigative and corrective actions in accordance with the 
procedures specified in Part B of the Accomplishment Instructions of 
CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) ASB 670BA-28-025, Revision A, 
dated December 15, 2003.

Flight Operations Using the Center Fuel Tank Empty Procedure

    (o) Before flight operations with the center fuel tank empty 
procedure, revise the Limitations and Abnormal sections of the AFM 
to include the following instructions. This may be done by inserting 
a copy of this AD into the Limitations and Abnormal Procedures 
sections of the AFM.
    (1) Revise the Limitations Section to specify:
    ``For every flight of each day, check the quantity of fuel in 
the center fuel tank during pre-flight and post-flight operations.
    If the fuel quantity increase from the wing tanks to the center 
fuel tank is more than 150 pounds (68kg): Before takeoff, turn the 
airplane over to maintenance to perform corrective actions.''
    (2) Revise the Abnormal Procedure section to specify:
    ``If an abnormal increase of the center fuel tank quantity is 
detected or the center fuel tank quantity exceeds 600 pounds (272.2 
kg) during flight: Immediately perform the actions specified in the 
Abnormal Procedures Section of CRJ Regional Jet (Bombardier) TR RJ 
700/52-2, dated December 19, 2003, to the Bombardier Model CL-600-
2C10 AFM, Document CSP B-012; or CRJ Regional Jet (Bombardier) TR RJ 
900/10-1, dated December 19, 2003, to the Bombardier Model CL-600-
2D24 AFM, Document CSP C-012; as applicable.''

Before Dispatch for Flights Using the Center Fuel Tank Empty 
Procedure

    (p) Before dispatch of airplanes operating with the center fuel 
tank empty, do the following actions:
    (1) If the pre-flight fuel quantity check reveals that the 
airplane has less than 300 pounds (136.1 kg) of fuel in the center 
fuel tank and no leak is suspected: Open and collar both L&R XFER 
SOV circuit breakers, 1N9 and 2P8. The fuel in the center fuel is 
considered to be unusable.

    Note 4: If the center fuel tank contains fuel when dispatching 
in this condition, the following EICAS caution message may be 
displayed: ``L XFER SOV and/or R XFER SOV.'' That message may be 
removed by scrolling it away.

    (2) If the pre-flight fuel quantity check reveals that the 
center fuel tank quantity is greater than 300 pounds (136.1 kg) and 
no leak is suspected: Do either (p)(2)(i) or (p)(2)(ii) of this AD 
at the time specified:
    (i) Before dispatch of the airplane: Un-collar and close the SOV 
circuit breakers 1N9 and 2P8, to transfer the fuel from the center 
fuel tank to the wing tanks and open and re-collar circuit breakers 
1N9 and 2P8.
    (ii) Before dispatch of the airplane: Drain (defuel) the center 
fuel tank, in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) ASB 670BA-28-
025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003.

Corrective Actions for Center Fuel Tank Empty Procedures

    (q) Before takeoff: If the fuel quantity increase from the wing 
tanks to the center fuel tank is more than 150 pounds (68 kg), as 
determined in paragraph (n) of this AD, do the investigative and 
corrective actions in accordance with Part B of the Accomplishment 
Instructions of CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) ASB 670BA-28-
025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003.

Abnormal Increase of the Center Fuel Tank Quantity

    (r) If an abnormal increase of the center fuel tank quantity is 
detected or the center fuel tank quantity exceeds 600 pounds (272.2 
kg) during flight, after landing and before further flight, do the 
investigative and corrective actions in accordance with Part B of 
the Accomplishment Instructions of CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet 
(Bombardier) ASB 670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated December 15, 2003.

Actions Accomplished Per Previous Releases of Service Bulletins

    (s) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with the following service bulletins are considered 
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action in this AD:
    (1) Bombardier CRJ 700 Regional Jet Service Bulletin 670BA-28-
008, Revision A, dated September 16, 2002; or Revision B, dated 
October 2, 2002;
    (2) CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier) ASB 670BA-28-025, 
dated December 12, 2003, are considered acceptable for compliance 
with the corresponding action in this AD.

Reporting and Parts Return Requirement

    (t) Although the Accomplishment Instructions of CRJ 700/900 
Regional Jet (Bombardier) ASB 670BA-28-025, Revision A, dated 
December 15, 2003, specify to submit certain information to the 
manufacturer, and to return damaged parts to the manufacturer; this 
AD does not include those requirements.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (u) The Manager, New York Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.

Related Information

    (v) Canadian airworthiness directive CF-2004-04R2, issued April 
16, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (w) You must use the following documents to perform the actions 
required by this AD, as applicable, unless the AD specifies 
otherwise:

[[Page 53614]]



                                  Table 2.--Material Incorporated by Reference
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
            Service document                       Revision level                           Date
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bombardier CRJ 700 Regional Jet Service  Revision C.......................  January 23, 2003.
 Bulletin 670BA-28-008.
CRJ 700/900 Regional Jet (Bombardier)    Revision A.......................  December 15, 2003.
 Alert Service Bulletin 670BA-28-025,
 excluding Appendix A.
CRJ Regional Jet (Bombardier) Temporary  Original.........................  December 19, 2003.
 Revision RJ 700/52-2 to Bombardier CL-
 600-2C10 Airplane Flight Manual,
 Document CSP B-012.
CRJ Regional Jet (Bombardier) Temporary  Original.........................  December 19, 2003.
 Revision RJ 900/10-1 to Bombardier CL-
 600-2D24 Airplane Flight Manual,
 Document CSP C-012.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Director of the Federal Register has previously approved the 
incorporation by reference of these documents as of April 15, 2004 
(69 FR 16780, March 31, 2004). You can get copies of the documents 
from Bombardier, Inc., Canadair, Aerospace Group, P.O. Box 6087, 
Station Centre-ville, Montreal, Quebec H3C 3G9, Canada. You can 
review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., room PL-401, Nassif 
Building, Washington, DC; 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.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 25, 2004.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 04-20014 Filed 9-1-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P