AD 2007-07-14 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135BJ Airplanes

Models named: EMB-135BJ. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to EMBRAER Model EMB-135BJ airplanes, certificated in any category; as identified in Embraer Service Bulletin 145LEG-28-0022, dated February 17, 2005.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Modifications (f) Within 5,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Accomplish the modifications specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD by doing all the applicable actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-28-0022, dated February 17, 2005. (1) Modify the forward auxiliary fuel tanks on the left and right sides. (2) Modify the aft auxiliary fuel tanks on the left and right sides. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) (g)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with § 39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards Certificate Holding District Office. Related Information (h) Brazilian airworthiness directive 2006-07-03R1, effective January 4, 2007, also addresses the subject of this AD. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-28-0022, dated February 17, 2005, to perform the actions that are required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box 343—CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos—SP, Brazil, for a copy of this service information. You may review copies 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 27, 2007. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E7-6230 Filed 4-4-07; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

This AD results from a fuel system reassessment according to SFAR 88 criteria, which revealed the possibility of sparks due to chafing between the harnesses of the forward and aft auxiliary fuel tanks, between certain harnesses attached to the aircraft structure, or between certain harnesses attached to certain mechanical components. We are issuing this AD to prevent a potential ignition source inside a fuel tank, which, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in a fuel tank explosion.