AD 2004-06-07 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-120 Series Airplanes

Models named: EMB-120 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model EMB-120 series airplanes, certificated in any category; serial numbers 120004, and 120006 through 120352 inclusive.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent overheating of cockpit wiring, which could result in loss of operation of the affected systems, or smoke or fire in the cockpit, accomplish the following: Airplanes Not Inspected/Modified Previously: One-Time Detailed Inspection (a) For airplanes on which neither Part I nor Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-30-0030, dated January 31, 2000, was accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a one-time detailed inspection for signs of overheating of wiring splices of the pitot/static 1, 2, and auxiliary sensors; the angle-of-attack sensors; the side slip sensors; and the current sensors, per Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-30-0030, Change 01, dated November 28, 2000. Signs of overheating include discoloration on the electrical wires, terminations, or splices. 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.” Airplanes Inspected or Modified Previously: Follow-On Actions (b) For airplanes on which Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-30-0030, dated January 31, 2000, but not Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of that service bulletin, was accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a one-time detailed inspection for signs of overheating of wiring splices of the pitot/static 1, 2, and auxiliary sensors; the angle-of-attack sensors; and the side slip sensor located at the circuit breaker panel; per Part III of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-30-0030, Change 01, dated November 28, 2000. (c) For airplanes on which Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-30-0030, dated January 31, 2000, was accomplished prior to the effective date of this AD: Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, install new identifications by doing all actions in paragraphs 2.4.2. of Part III of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-30-0030, Change 01, dated November 28, 2000. Follow-On Actions (d) For all airplanes subject to paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD: At the applicable compliance time specified in paragraph (d)(1) or (d)(2) of this AD, replace wires and relays with new wires and relays; and eliminate or relocate splices in the wiring of the pitot/static 1, 2, and auxiliary sensors; the angle-of-attack sensors; the side slip sensors; and the current sensors; as applicable; by doing all actions in paragraphs 2.3.1 through 2.3.23 of Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-30-0030, Change 01, dated November 28, 2000. (1) If no sign of overheating is found during any inspection per paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD: Do the actions in paragraph (d) of this AD within 2,000 flight hours after the inspection. (2) If any sign of overheating is found during any inspection per paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD: Do the actions in paragraph (d) of this AD before further flight after the inspection. Alternative Methods of Compliance (e) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (f) The actions shall be done in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-30-0030, Change 01, dated November 28, 2000. 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 directive 2001-06-02, dated June 26, 2001. Effective Date (g) This amendment becomes effective on April 29, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 12, 2004. Ali Bahrami, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-6499 Filed 3-24-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P