AD 2004-01-12 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 and -145 Series Airplanes

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

Model EMB-135 and EMB-145 series airplanes, certificated in any category; as listed in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0032, Change 04, dated August 11, 2003.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect and correct oxidation of the pitot-true air temperature (TAT) relay, which could result in increased resistance and overheating of the relay and consequent smoke in the cockpit; and to detect and correct oxidation of the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) electronic interface resistor modules, which could result in in-flight uncommanded engine power roll back to idle, accomplish the following: Inspection and Cleaning of Pitot-TAT Relays (a) For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A.(1) (“PART I”) of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0032, Change 04, dated August 11, 2003: Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed inspection to detect contamination of the pitot-TAT relays and clean the relay/connector pins and sockets, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions (“PART I”) of the service bulletin. If any contamination remains after cleaning: Prior to further flight, replace each contaminated relay, relay socket, and relay socket contact with a new part, in accordance with the service bulletin. Note 1: 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.” Inspection of FADEC Interface Resistor Modules (b) For airplanes identified in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-76-0003, dated April 22, 2002: Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed inspection to detect contamination (including moisture and corrosion) of the left- and right-hand FADEC electronic interface resistor modules, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Then do the applicable corrective actions specified in paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD. (1) If any contamination is found during the inspection: Before further flight, clean the resistor modules and/or their respective electrical connector pins, in accordance with the service bulletin. (2) If any contamination remains after cleaning the modules and pins as specified in paragraph (b)(1) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the modules and connectors with new parts, as applicable, in accordance with the service bulletin. (3) Following accomplishment of any corrective action specified in paragraph (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this AD: Before further flight, perform the ohmic resistance test of the left- and right-hand FADEC electronic interface resistor modules, and accomplish applicable troubleshooting procedures, in accordance with the service bulletin. Console Panel Sealing (c) For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A.(2) (“PART II”) of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0032, Change 04, dated August 11, 2003: Before further flight following accomplishment of the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD, modify the seal between the cockpit console panels and the storm window by applying PVC foam adhesive tape and sealant, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions (“PART II”) of the service bulletin. Protective Sheet Installation (d) For airplanes identified in paragraph 1.A.(3) (“PART III”) of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0032, Change 04, dated August 11, 2003: Before further flight following accomplishment of the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD, install new protective sheets at the relay supports in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions (“PART III”) of the service bulletin. Credit for Prior Service Bulletin Revisions (e) The FAA considers actions done before the effective date of this AD acceptable for compliance with this AD, if those actions were done in accordance with the applicable service bulletins listed in Table 1 of this AD. Table 1.—Acceptable Service Bulletin Revisions Operators that have— May take credit for compliance with— If that action was done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin— Inspected the pitot-TAT relays and done applicable corrective actions Paragraph (a) of this AD 145-30-0032, Change 02, dated December 3, 2001; or Change 03, dated January 27, 2003. Modified the seal Paragraph (c) of this AD 145-30-0032, Change 02, dated December 3, 2001; or Change 03, dated January 27, 2003. Installed protective sheets Paragraph (d) of this AD 145-25-0211, dated April 27, 2001; Part I.   145-25-0211, Change 01, dated May 25, 2001; Part I.   145-25-0211, Change 02, dated June 17, 2001; Part I.   145-25-0211, Change 03, dated December 3, 2001; Part I.   145-25-0211, Change 04, dated February 6, 2002; Part I.   145-25-0211, Change 05, dated April 16, 2002; Part I.   145-25-0211, Change 06, dated December 26, 2002; Part I.   145-25-0211, Change 07, dated August 11, 2003; Part I.   145-30-0032, Change 02, dated December 3, 2001; Part III.   145-30-0032, Change 03, dated January 27, 2003; Part III. Alternative Methods of Compliance (f) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (g) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions must be done in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0032, Change 04, dated August 11, 2003; and EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-76-0003, dated April 22, 2002; as applicable. EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0032, Change 04, contains the following effective pages:   Page No. Change level shown on page Date shown on page 1, 2, 7, 8, 21, 22 04 August 11, 2003. 3-6, 9-20 02 December 3, 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 Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian airworthiness directives 2001-05-01R2, dated April 22, 2003; and 2002-10-03, dated October 24, 2002. Effective Date (h) This amendment becomes effective on February 13, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 31, 2003. Michael J. Kaszycki, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-269 Filed 1-8-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P