AD 2001-04-03 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-145 Series Airplanes

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

Model EMB-145 series airplanes; serial numbers 145004 through 145103 inclusive, 145105 through 145111 inclusive, and 145113 through 145117 inclusive; 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 the spring tab or the servo tab from becoming disconnected, resulting in structural failure, and to prevent damage to the leading edge of the spring tab, which could result in loss of control of the elevator, accomplish the following: Inspection (a) Within 200 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, conduct a detailed visual inspection, as specified in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-55-0009, Change No. 02, dated May 19, 2000. (1) For airplanes having serial numbers 145004 through 145055 that have not been modified in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-55-0009, dated April 7, 1998: Inspect the bolts attaching the spring tab and servo tab hinge fittings to the rear spar of the left-hand and right-hand elevators for evidence of loosening. (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 145004 through 145103, 145105 through 145111, and 145113 through 145117: Inspect the region of the hinge fittings on the spring tab for interference of the bonding jumper on the attaching bolts with the leading edge of the spring tab. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: “An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.” Modification (b) Perform follow-on corrective actions, as applicable, in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-55-0009, Change No. 02, dated May 19, 2000, as shown in the following table: Table 1.—Follow-on Corrective Actions If . . . And . . . And . . . Then . . . (1) No discrepancy is found, [ Reserved ] [ Reserved ] Prior to further flight, seal the bolt heads and adjacent hinge fitting surfaces. (2) Any loose bolt or any interference of the bonding jumpers with the leading edge of the spring tab is found, The airplanes have serial numbers 145004 through 145055, inclusive The airplanes have not been modified in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-55-0009, dated April 7, 1998 Prior to further flight, accomplish Part II of the service bulletin, including replacing bolts, adding washers, and changing the position of the lockwire and the bonding jumpers.   (ii) The airplanes have serial numbers 145004 through 145055, inclusive, and 145056 through 145076, inclusive The airplanes have been modified in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-55-0009, dated April 7, 1998 Prior to further flight, accomplish Part III of the service bulletin, including adding washers and changing the position of the lockwire and the bonding jumpers.   The airplanes have serial numbers 145077 through 145103, inclusive; 145105 through 145111, inclusive; and 145113 through 145117, inclusive [ Reserved ] Prior to further flight, accomplish Part IV of the service bulletin, including adding washers and changing the position of the lockwire and the bonding jumpers. Repetitive Inspections (c) Repeat the detailed visual inspection specified in paragraph (a) of this AD, at intervals not to exceed 400 flight hours. Terminating Action (d) Within 2,000 flight hours from the effective date of this AD, accomplish Part II, III, or IV, as applicable, of the 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 ACO. Special Flight Permits (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 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 Service Bulletin 145-55-0009, Change No. 02, dated May 19, 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: A portion of the subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian airworthiness directive No. 98-05-02, dated May 28, 1998. Effective Date (h) This amendment becomes effective on March 29, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 9, 2001. Vi L. Lipski, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-3849 Filed 2-21-01; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U