AD 2000-19-02 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 and EMB-145 Series Airplanes

Models named: EMB-135, EMB-145 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model EMB-135 and EMB-145 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the electrical connectors of the fuel pumps, which could result in fuel leakage from the connectors or electrical arcing across the connector pins of the pump, and consequent fuel fire or explosion; accomplish the following: Repetitive Inspections (a) Perform a general visual inspection of the electrical connectors of the fuel pumps in the right- and left-hand wings to detect discrepancies (including blackened connector pins, damage to elastomeric insert, cracks, erosion or charring), in accordance with Embraer Alert Service Bulletin S.B. 145-28-A013, dated August 16, 2000, at the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD, as applicable. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 flight hours. (1) For airplanes having 1,200 total flight hours or less as of the effective date of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 1,600 total flight hours. (2) For airplanes having more than 1,200 total flight hours, but less than 4,000 total flight hours as of the effective date of this AD: Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. (3) For airplanes having 4,000 total flight hours or more as of the effective date of this AD: Prior to the accumulation of 4,400 total flight hours or within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL) (b) The inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD applies to the six electric fuel pumps in the right- and left-hand wings (three pumps in each wing). For pump replacement planning purposes, the airplane may be operated in accordance with the provisions and limitations specified in an operator's FAA-approved MMEL, provided that no more than one fuel pump on each wing on the airplane is inoperative. Note 2: When operating under the MMEL, the unusable fuel quantity as referenced in the Limitations Section of the appropriate FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) must be complied with. Follow-On Corrective Actions (c) If any discrepancy (including blackened connector pins, damage to elastomeric insert, cracks, erosion or charring) is detected after accomplishment of any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the fuel pump and its mating airplane connector in accordance with Embraer Alert Service Bulletin S.B. 145-28-A013, dated August 16, 2000. (d) After accomplishment of the replacement required by paragraph (c) of this AD, before further flight: Perform a general visual inspection of the electrical connectors adjacent to the fuel pump to detect damage (visible cracks, erosion or charring), in accordance with Embraer Alert Service Bulletin S.B. 145-28-A013, dated August 16, 2000, and accomplish the requirements in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) If any damage is detected, before further flight, replace the connectors with new ones in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (2) If no damage is detected, before further flight, replace only the socket contacts with new contacts in accordance with the alert service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta Special Flight Permits (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. Incorporation by Reference (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with Embraer Alert Service Bulletin S.B. 145-28-A013, dated August 16, 2000. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box 343—CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos—SP, Brazil. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian airworthiness directive 2000-08-01, dated August 25, 2000. (h) This amendment becomes effective on October 3, 2000. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 8, 2000. Donald L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-23580 Filed 9-15-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U