AD 2004-22-03 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.

(c) This AD applies to EMBRAER Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes, as listed in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-57-0034, Change 01, dated January 9, 2002; certificated in any category. Unsafe Condition (d) This AD was prompted by a report indicating that trunnion fittings of the wings have been manufactured with a web fillet radius smaller than the minimum required by the design data, which may induce the occurrence of fatigue cracks at the root of the trunnion fillet radius and adjacent structures ( e.g. , spar and ribs). We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of the wing trunnion fittings or adjacent structure, which could result in failure of the main landing gear, consequent damage to surrounding structure, and possible loss of control of the airplane during landing.

(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Service Bulletin (f) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-57-0034, Change 01, dated January 9, 2002. Measurement (g) Before the accumulation of 2,000 total flight cycles, or within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, measure the fillet radius dimension of the trunnion fitting webs of the wings in accordance with paragraph 3.(C), “Part I,” of the service bulletin. (1) If the fillet radius value is equal to or greater than 0.1969 inches (5 mm), no further action is required by this AD. (2) If a fillet radius value is less than 0.0394 inches (1 mm), before further flight, do the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. (3) If the fillet radius value is equal to or greater than 0.0394 inch (1 mm), but less than 0.1969 inch (5 mm), before the accumulation of 4,000 total flight cycles, or within 500 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do the actions specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. Rework and Further Corrective Actions, if Necessary (h) Rework the fillet radius of the trunnion fitting web to increase the radius, do related investigative actions, and do applicable corrective actions by accomplishing all the actions specified in paragraph 3.(D), “Part II,” of the service bulletin. Do the actions in accordance with the service bulletin, except as provided by paragraph (i) of this AD. Any applicable corrective actions must be done before further flight. (1) If the final fillet radius is less than 0.1969 inch (5 mm) and the radius limit contour is reached, before further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the Departmento de Aviacao Civil (DAC) (or its delegated agent). (2) If the final fillet radius is equal to or greater than 0.1969 inches (5 mm), before further flight, shot-peen the reworked area in accordance with paragraph 3.(E), “Part III,” of the service bulletin. (i) If any crack is found in the structure during the related investigative action required by paragraph (h) of this AD, before further flight, repair in accordance with either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate; or the DAC (or its delegated agent). Credit for Previous Revisions of Service Bulletin (j) Except as provided by paragraphs (h)(1) and (i) of this AD, measurements and rework of the fillet radius done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-57-0034, dated October 11, 2001, are acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) (k) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Related Information (l) Brazilian airworthiness directive 2001-12-03R1, effective February 4, 2002, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (m) You must use EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-57-0034, Change 01, dated January 9, 2002, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The service bulletin contains these effective pages:   Page number Revision level shown on page Date shown on page 1, 2, 9, 10 01 Jan. 9, 2002. 3-8, 11-27 Original Oct. 11, 2001. The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. For copies of the service information, contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box 343—CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos—SP, Brazil. For information on the availability of this material at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. You may view the AD docket at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW., room PL-401, Nassif Building,Washington, DC. Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 18, 2004. Kalene C. Yanamura, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service [FR Doc. 04-23925 Filed 10-28-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P