AD 2001-13-14 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-120 Series Airplanes

Models named: EMB-120, -120RT, -120ER, -120FC series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model EMB-120, -120RT, -120ER, and -120FC 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 (d) 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 ensure that the flight crew is provided with accurate indications of the severity of ice accretion and appropriate procedures and actions to prevent reduced controllability of the aircraft due to accretion of ice on the airplane, accomplish the following: Airplane Flight Manual (a) Within 20 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Revise the Limitations and Normal Procedures Sections of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following procedures, as specified in paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4) of this AD. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM. (1) In the Limitations section under the existing title “Operation in Icing Conditions,” insert the following: “Autopilot use is prohibited when atmospheric icing conditions exist, at the first sign of icing accretion anywhere on the airplane, or after the illumination of the Ice Condition light, whichever occurs first. Leading edge deicers switch must be operated in the Heavy mode only.” (2) In the Normal Procedures section under the existing title, “Operation in Icing Conditions,” delete the following: “Leading edge deicers switch.......ON Select ‘Heavy’ or ‘Light’ mode (1 or 3 minutes cycle), based on the flight crew's judgement and evaluation of the severity of the ice encounter and rate of accretion.” (3) In the Normal Procedures section under the existing title, “Operation in Icing Conditions,” insert the following: “Leading edge deicers switch.......On (TIMER 1 or TIMER 2) Select ‘Heavy’ mode if Light/Heavy switch is still installed.” (4) In the Normal Procedures section insert the following warning: “WARNING: If large or frequent changes in longitudinal trim, and/or excessive performance degradation occur (identified by large increases in power required to maintain airspeed and altitude), immediately request priority handling from air traffic control to exit icing conditions.” Placard Installation (b) Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, install a placard to activate the deicing boots and disengage the autopilot, whenever ice is detected by visual cues or ice detector illumination, to the left of the pilot's airspeed indicator and one placard to the right of the co-pilot's altimeter, per EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-25-0258, dated May 14, 2001. (c) Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, remove the “Light-Heavy” inflation switch of the leading edge deicing boots, per EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-30-0032, Change No. 01, dated June 13, 2001. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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 2: 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 (e) 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 (f) Except for the actions specified in paragraph (a) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-25-0258, dated May 14, 2001; and EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-30-0032, Change No. 01, dated June 13, 2001. 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 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian airworthiness directive 2001-05-02, dated June 6, 2001. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on July 12, 2001. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 20, 2001. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 01-16047 Filed 6-22-01; 10:10 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U