AD 2004-09-15 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 and EMB-145 Series Airplanes

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 having serial numbers (S/N) 145003 through 145373, 146375, 145377 through 145391 inclusive, and 145393 through 145408 inclusive; certificated in any category; equipped with nose landing gear struts, part number (P/N) 1170C0000-01 (including all modifications), P/N 1170C0000-02, or P/N 1170C0000-03.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent separation of the wheels from the nose landing gear due to the failure of the outer wheel bearings, and consequent loss of control of the airplane during takeoff and landing, accomplish the following: Replacement and Reidentification (a) Within 12 months from the effective date of this AD, replace the nose landing gear wheel nuts, P/N 1170-0007, with new wheel nuts, P/N 170-0082; the associated inner and outer seals, P/N 68-1157 or P/N 72-290, with new seals, P/N 68-1498; and reidentify the struts; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-32-0068, Change 04, dated January 20, 2003; or EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-32-0006, Change 01, dated January 20, 2003; as applicable. (b) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD per EMBRAER Service Bulletins as listed in the following table are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD: Table 1.—Service Bulletins Considered Acceptable for Compliance EMBRAER service bulletin Change level Date 145-32-0068 Original May 4, 2001. 145-32-0068 01 January 14, 2002. 145-32-0068 02 April 16, 2002. 145-32-0068 03 November 25, 2002. 145LEG-32-0006 Original November 26, 2002. Parts Installation (c) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install nose landing gear wheel nuts, P/N 1170-0007, or the associated inner and outer seals, P/N 68-1157 or P/N 72-290, on any airplane. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD. Incorporation by Reference (e) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with the following EMBRAER Service Bulletins, as applicable: Table 2.—Applicable Service Documents Service bulletin Page Nos. Change level shown on the page Date shown on page EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-32-0068, Change 04, January 20, 2003 1-2 04 January 20, 2003.   3-19 01 January 14, 2002. EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-32-0006, Change 01, dated January 20, 2003 1-2 01 January 20, 2003.   3-19 Original November 26, 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; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. Note 1: The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian airworthiness directive 2002-03-01R2, dated April 22, 2003. Effective Date (f) This amendment becomes effective on June 9, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 26, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-10018 Filed 5-4-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P