AD 2005-04-05 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.

Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes, with air turbine starter (ATS) units having part numbers (P/N) 3505910-4 or -5; certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent a flash fire in the nacelle, which would result in the flightcrew shutting down the engine during flight, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Service Bulletin Reference (a) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as applicable: (1) For the detailed inspection and replacements specified in paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this AD: For Model EMB-135 BJ series airplanes, EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-80-0001, Revision 01, dated April 10, 2003; and for all other affected airplanes, EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-80-0005, Revision 02, dated September 16, 2003. (2) For the replacement specified in paragraph (e) of this AD: For Model EMB-135 BJ series airplanes, EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-80-0002, dated October 2, 2003; and for all other affected airplanes, EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-80-0006, dated October 2, 2003. Note 1: These service bulletins refer to Honeywell Service Bulletin 3505910-80-1789, dated August 19, 2003, as an additional source of service information. The Honeywell service bulletin is included in the EMBRAER service bulletins. Although this Honeywell service bulletin specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement. Repetitive Detailed Inspection (b) Within 200 flight hours or 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform a detailed inspection of the oil in the air turbine starter (ATS) to determine the quantity of oil and to determine the amount of debris contamination in the oil in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours or 180 days, whichever occurs first. Note 2: 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.” Oil Replacement if Oil Quantity Is Correct and No Excessive Debris Is Found (c) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, no oil debris contamination is found that is in excess of the limits allowed by the applicable service bulletin; and if the amount of oil in the ATS is correct: Prior to further flight, replace the oil in the ATS with new oil, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. ATS Replacement if Oil Quantity Is Incorrect or if Excessive Debris Is Found (d) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, the oil quantity is found to be incorrect; or if oil debris contamination is found that is in excess of the limits allowed by the applicable service bulletin: Replace the ATS with a new or serviceable ATS having part number (P/N) 3505910-4, P/N 3505910-5, or P/N 3505910-6, at the times specified in and in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. If an affected ATS has less than 400 flight hours since new or last overhaul, the “penalty run” test may be performed before further flight and the ATS replaced at the times specified in and in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Terminating Action (e) Within 26 months after the effective date of this AD, replace any ATS having P/N 3505910-4 or -5 with a new ATS having P/N 3505910-6 in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. This replacement constitutes terminating action for the repetitive detailed inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD. Actions Accomplished per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin 145-80-0005 (f) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD per EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-80-0005, Revision 01, dated April 10, 2003, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (g) 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 (h) The actions shall be done in accordance with the service information specified in Table 1 of this AD, as applicable. 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; 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 bulletin Revision level Date 145-80-0005 02 Sept. 16, 2003. 145-80-0006 Original Oct. 2, 2003. 145LEG-80-0001 01 Apr. 10, 2003. 145LEG-80-0002 Original Oct. 2, 2003. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian airworthiness directive 2003-07-01R1, dated December 23, 2003. Effective Date (i) This amendment becomes effective on March 24, 2005. Issued in Renton, Washington, on February 2, 2005. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-2842 Filed 2-16-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P