AD 2003-12-11 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, equipped with main landing gear maneuvering actuators, part and serial numbers as listed in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-32-0031, Change No. 02, dated February 12, 1999; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in thepreceding 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 (b) 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 maneuvering actuator piston rod of the main landing gear (MLG), which would impede retraction of the MLG, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Ultrasonic Inspection and Replacement, If Necessary (a) Within the next 100 landings after the effective date of this AD, perform an ultrasonic inspection of the maneuvering actuator piston rods of the MLG to ensure adequate wall thickness of the piston rods, in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-32-0031, Change No. 02, dated February 12, 1999. An inspection is also acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD if done in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-32-0031, dated July 3, 1998; or Change 01, dated December 8, 1999. (1) If the thickness of any measurement point in any piston rod is greater than 2.0 mm (.079 inch), no further action is required by this AD. (2) If the thickness of any measurement point in any piston rod is from 1.5 mm (.059 inch) to 2.0 mm (.079 inch): Within 500 landings after the effective date of this AD, replace the piston rod with a new rod having the correct part number as specified in the service bulletin. (3) If the thickness of any measurement point in any piston rod is less than 1.5 mm (.059 inch): Within 50 landings after the effective date of this AD, replace the piston rod with a new rod having the correct part number as specified in the service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) 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, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the International Branch, ANM-116. Special Flight Permits (c) 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 (d) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be done in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-32-0031, Change No. 02, dated February 12, 1999. 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 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 98-09-01 R1, dated March 15, 1999. Effective Date (e) This amendment becomes effective on July 23, 2003. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 10, 2003. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 03-15222 Filed 6-17-03; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P