AD 2004-26-12 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170 Series Airplanes

Models named: ERJ 170 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to all EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 series airplanes, certificated in any category.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision (f) Within 72 hours after the effective date of the AD: Revise the Limitations Section of the EMBRAER ERJ 170 AFM by inserting a copy of EMBRAER Operational Bulletin 170-011/04, Revision 1, dated December 23, 2004, into the AFM. Network Interface Card (NIC) Test (g) Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, or before or concurrently with doing the software installation required by paragraph (h) of this AD, whichever occurs first: Do a test to determine proper operation of the NIC communications in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 170-31-0003, dated December 23, 2004. If any failure is detected, before further flight, repair the airplane 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). Software Installation (h) Within 40 days or 300 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Install the software version of the PRIMUS EPIC system identified as “load 15.3” or higher, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 170-31-0002, dated December 23, 2004. After installation of this software, remove the AFM revision required by paragraph (f) of this AD. Submission of Test Results Not Required (i) Although EMBRAER Service Bulletin 170-31-0003 specifies to submit certain information to the airplane manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (j) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, 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 (k) Brazilian emergency airworthiness directive 2004-12-04, effective December 27, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (l) You must use the service information that is specified in Table 1 of this AD to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (Only the first pages of EMBRAER Service Bulletins 170-31-0002 and Service Bulletin 170-31-0003 contain the issue date of those documents; no other page of those documents is dated.) The Director of the Federal Register approves the incorporation by reference of those documents 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. You can review copies at the Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW, room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; 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. Table 1.—Material Incorporated by Reference EMBRAER Service Document Revision level Date Operational Bulletin 170-011/04 1 December 23, 2004. Service Bulletin 170-31-0002 Original December 23, 2004. Service Bulletin 170-31-0003 Original December 23, 2004. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 23, 2004. Kevin M. Mullin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 04-28707 Filed 12-29-04; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD was prompted by reports of temporary loss of all cockpit display units (DU). The Federal Aviation Administration is issuing this AD to prevent temporary or possible sustained loss of all MAUs, which triggers a cascade of failures in systems dependent on MAUs functionalities. Such failures could reduce the flightcrew's situational awareness and increase workload and consequently reduce the ability of the flightcrew to maintain the safe flight and landing of the airplane.