The FAA has issued an airworthiness directive on March 13th, 2013 that requires airlines operating the CRJ100 and CRJ200 to replace liners in the aircraft’s Class C cargo compartment to meet new fire standards for the type.
The airworthiness directive requires operators to change the liners installed in the original aircraft’s baggage hold because they do not meet flammability requirements. This will mean that 574 US-registered aircraft would be affected and would result in a cost of $29.2 million for the entire fleet.
The requirement applies to series 100 and 440 Bombardier CL-600-2B19 regional jets with a Class C cargo compartment. These two aircraft types are also known as the CRJ100 and 200. Airlines must comply with the AD within 28 months from April 17th, 2013, when the directive comes into effect.
SkyWest Airlines is the largest CRJ200 operator, with 159 of the aircraft type in its fleet at the end of 2012. Air Wisconsin operates a fleet of 71 CRJ200 aircraft, and Pinnacle Airlines has 140 CRJ200s in its fleet.
