AD 2002-14-23 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.

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; equipped with horizontal stabilizer actuator (HSA) assemblies having part numbers and serial numbers as listed in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-27-0088, dated February 1, 2002. 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 a loose or disengaged clutch nut on the HSA clutch assembly, which could result in loss of pitch trim and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Detailed Inspection and Follow-On Actions (a) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time detailed inspection of the HSA clutch assembly to verify that at least one locking tab on the key washer is bent into the locking groove of the clutch nut, per EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-27-0088, dated February 1, 2002. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.” Note 3: EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-27-0088 refers to Parker Service Bulletin 362200-27-231, dated December 21, 2001, as the appropriate source of service information for accomplishment of the inspection described in paragraph (a) of this AD. A copy of the Parker service bulletin is contained within the EMBRAER service bulletin. (1) If at least one locking tab is bent into the locking groove of the clutch nut: Before further flight, perform all applicable follow-on actions per the service bulletin. The follow-on actions include a detailed inspection for damage (e.g., nicks, tears, scarring) of the O-ring at the base of the HSA motor, replacement of the O-ring with a new O-ring if any damage is found, and a detailed inspection for damage (e.g., nicks, tears, scarring) of the sealing surface. If any damage is found on the sealing surface, before further flight, replace the HSA assembly with a serviceable assembly, per the service bulletin. (2) If no locking tab is bent into the locking groove of the clutch nut: Before further flight, replace the HSA assembly with a serviceable HSA assembly, per the service bulletin. Spares (b) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install on any airplane an HSA assembly with a part number and serial number included in the applicability statement of this AD, unless the HSA assembly has been inspected according to paragraph (a) of this AD and found to have at least one locking tab bent into the locking groove of the clutch nut. 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 4: 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 §§ 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 145-27-0088, dated February 1, 2002. 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; 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian airworthiness directive 2002-04-01, dated April 24, 2002. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on August 2, 2002. Issued in Renton, Washington, on July 11, 2002. Lirio Liu-Nelson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-18026 Filed 7-17-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P