AD 2002-08-18 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 and -145 Series Airplanes

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

Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes; certificated in any category; serial numbers 145004 through 145189 inclusive; 145191 through 145362 inclusive; 145364 through 145373 inclusive; 145375 through 145411 inclusive; 145413 through 145461 inclusive; 145463 through 145468 inclusive; 145470; 145472 through 145482 inclusive; 145485, 145486, and 145488; 145490 through 145494 inclusive; 145496 through 145498 inclusive; 145500 through 145502 inclusive; 145504 and 145507; 145508 through 145512 inclusive; 145514, 145515, 145517, and 145518. 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 (c) 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 loss of pitch trim command during the takeoff and climb phase of flight due to improper set point of the actuator clutches of the horizontal stabilizer, which could result in high pitch control forces and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Repetitive Inspections (Tests)/Replacement (a) Within 800 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Do an inspection (test) of the actuator clutches of both the primary and backup pitch trim systems of the horizontal stabilizer for proper pitch trim indications per EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-27-0082, dated September 18, 2001. Repeat the test after that every 2,000 flight hours. (1) If either test indicates that the clutch is slipping (no PIT TRIM 1 INOP or PIT TRIM 2 INOP message appears, and the measured voltage during trim attempts is greater than 1 volt), before further flight, replace the applicable actuator with an improved actuator and before further flight, repeat the test. (2) If both tests indicate that the clutch is acceptable (PIT TRIM 1 INOP or PIT TRIM 2 INOP message appears), repeat the test at the time specified in paragraph (a) of this AD. Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install an actuator having part number 362200-1007, -1009, -1011, or -1013 on any airplane, unless the actuator clutch has been inspected as required by paragraph (a) of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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 (d) 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 (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-27-0082, dated September 18, 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 2001-10-02R1, dated February 4, 2002. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on May 16, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 19, 2002. Lirio Liu-Nelson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-10246 Filed 4-30-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P