Contributed by Dave Schiver, Airframe Tech Rep
The coupe rail inspection cannot be avoided. Don't put off getting it scheduled.
Bombardier has issued a recommended Service Bulletin (SB 45-56-3) that calls for the inspection of the windshield coupe rails on all Learjet 45 models -005 through -427, that needs to be completed within the next 600 flight hours or 36 months of the original basic issue date of the SB (April 30, 2012).
This requires the aircraft to be shored-up with the main cabin doors closed while the windshields are removed and the support structure is inspected with ultrasound and Eddy Eurrent inspection. The coupe rails will be re-identified one of two ways depending upon the inspection results. One part number for a 5,000 hr. re-inspect, and another PN if no further inspections are required. If the coupe rails are found to be outside of acceptable tolerance, the rails must be replaced immediately.
3 Possible Outcomes
Keep in mind when planning for this inspection, there are three possible outcomes.
- The rails are fine and no replacement is necessary
- The rails are acceptable but need to be re-inspected within 5000 hours per Chapter 5.
- The rails are outside acceptable limits and need to be replaced immediately at the Bombardier Business Aircraft Service Center in Wichita.
There is no way to know the results until the rail inspection is performed.
Don't Procrastinate
This is an inspection that you will have to do sooner or later. You will be tempted to put it off as long as possible. Don't. Postponing will only result in your heightened frustration because a hundred other operators, who also waited, are scrambling for the few time slots and parts available. The longer you wait for this inspection, the longer you will wait to be scheduled. Don't be that guy!
Parts and labor are covered by this inspection if the work is performed at the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or a Learjet Authorized Service Facility. Travel expenses for a Mobile Repair Party (MRP) from Learjet and Paragon are not part of the Bombardier Service Bulletin coverage.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.
Dave Schiver is an Airframe Technical Representative at Duncan Aviation’s Lincoln, Nebr. (LNK) facility. He specializes in Learjet aircraft. His aviation career began in 1981.
