Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) Airplanes

The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain Bombardier Model CL-600-2B19 (Regional Jet Series 100 & 440) airplanes. The existing AD currently requires inspecting to identify the wing anti-ice ducts (piccolo tubes) in the wing leading edge. For airplanes with affected piccolo tubes, the existing AD requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to introduce new procedures for operation in icing conditions. The existing AD provides an optional implementation of repetitive inspections for cracks of affected piccolo tubes, and corrective actions if necessary, which terminates the operational limitations. The existing AD also provides an optional installation of certain new piccolo tubes, which terminates both the AFM revision and the inspections. This AD adds airplanes to the applicability, requires revising the AFM to introduce new procedures for operation in icing conditions, and requires inspecting to determine if certain anti-ice piccolo ducts are installed, and replacing or repairing the piccolo duct if necessary. This AD also provides an optional terminating action of replacing all affected piccolo ducts. This AD results from reports of failed piccolo tubes. We are issuing this AD to prevent cracked piccolo tubes, which could result in air leakage, a possible adverse effect on the anti-ice air distribution pattern and anti-ice capability without annunciation to the flight crew, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.