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. This SB needs to be completed within the next 600 flight hours or 36 months of the original basic issue date of 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 current inspection. The coupe rails will be re-identified one of two ways, depending upon the inspection results. One P/N for a 5,000 Hr. re-inspect, and another P/N if no further inspections are required. If the coupe rails are found to be outside of acceptable tolerance, the rails must be replaced immediately.
Keep in mind when planning for this inspection that there are three possible outcomes.
There is no way to know the results until the rail inspection is performed.
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 OEM or a Learjet Authorized Service Facility. Travel expenses for an MRP from Learjet and Paragon are not part of the Bombardier Service Bulletin coverage.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.