AD 2004-02-51 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.

All Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect and correct failure of the control rods for the aft rudder, which could result in loss of control of the airplane, accomplish the following: One-Time Inspection and Configuration Deviation List Revision (a) Within 10 days or 100 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever is first, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD. (1) Perform a general visual inspection of the aft rudder control rods to detect any discrepancy (including, but not limited to, incorrect installation, corrosion pitting, cracking, looseness, deformity, or structural damage), and measure the dimension of the aft rudder control rods, per EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-27-A1-05, dated January 23, 2004. (2) Perform a general visual inspection to determine if Access Panel 312AR is installed on the airplane. (3) Revise the Configuration Deviation List (CDL) to remove Access Panel 312AR from the CDL (thus prohibiting operation without that access panel installed). (This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the CDL.) Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.” Corrective Actions and Related Investigative Action (b) If any discrepancy is found during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Accomplish paragraphs (b)(1) and (b)(2) of this AD, as applicable. (1) If any discrepancy is found during the inspection required by paragraph (a)(1) of this AD: Before further flight, replace the affected aft rudder control rod with a new or serviceable control rod, and perform a backlash test (to detect worn rudder bearings) and any applicable related corrective action, per EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-27-A105, dated January 23, 2004. (If superficial corrosion is found on the rod, but no other discrepancy is found, replacement of the rod is not required.) (2) If Access Panel 312AR was not installed on the airplane during the inspection required by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD: Within 10 flight cycles after the inspection, install a new or serviceable panel in this location. Reporting Requirement (c) Submit a report of discrepancies found during the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD, and the test required by paragraph (b)(1) of this AD, to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; fax (425) 227-1320. Submit the report at the applicable time specified in paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of the discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq. ), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. (1) If the inspections/test are done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 7 days after the inspection. (2) If the inspections/test were accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 7 days after the effective date of this AD. Parts Installation (d) After the effective date of this AD, no person may install an aft rudder control rod having part number 120-09421-251 (upper control rod) or 120-09421-249 (lower control rod), on any airplane, unless it has been inspected per the requirements of this AD. Special Flight Permit (e) Special flight permits with a limitation 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 backlash test required by this AD can be accomplished. The special flight permits would have a limitation that the discrepant aft rudder control rod must have been replaced. Alternative Methods of Compliance (f) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (g) The actions shall be done inn accordance with EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-27-A105, dated January 23, 2004. 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 emergency airworthiness directive 2004-010-07, dated January 23, 2004. Effective Date (h) This amendment becomes effective on February 23, 2004 to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 2004-02-51, issued January 23, 2004, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 9, 2004. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-3350 Filed 2-17-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-M