Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 210; Flight Crew Total 18000; Flight Crew Type 1500
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Maintenance; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft; Human Factors
At 50 FT AGL we got a R ENG FUEL FILTER EICAS. [We] continued departure through clean up and after takeoff checklist. [We] went to QRH. QRH directed us to land at nearest suitable airport. [We] initiated at return with ATC. [We] notified Flight Attendant and passengers. [We] consulted with Dispatch [and] Maintenance Control. Completed approach preparation and briefings; and made a normal approach and landing.
On rotation; we had a R ENGINE FILTER BYPASS caution. We ran the checklist; contacted Maintenance Control and Dispatch; and returned without incident. Maintenance was waiting at the gate and quickly replaced the fuel filter. The Captain was on the jetway coordinating with Dispatch; a Duty Manager; and the agents. I was getting the aircraft ready and loading the box when two mechanics came in and said that they needed to start the right motor. They asked if I wanted to help and I said 'of course.' We made sure the aircraft was cleared by the mechanics on the ramp and I told Ramp Control that we were starting a motor at the gate. I made sure that all the checklist items were done and I helped start the engine without any problems. I had assumed that the mechanics were in charge of the engine start; but I did not realize that they could not do it with passengers onboard. I guess the mechanics were unaware of that rule; or they thought I could start the engine without the Captain. The Duty Manager was notified and already at the gate. There was never any danger; but the procedure was not followed properly.
Air carrier flight crew experiences a R ENGINE FILTER BYPASS caution light just after rotation. QRH procedures are complied with and flight returns to departure airport. The filter is replaced by Maintenance and the engine is run up with the First Officer's help. It is learned after the fact that engine run ups are not permitted by Maintenance with passengers on board.