AD 2012-23-09 Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. Airplanes

Models named: ERJ 190-100 STD, -100 LR, -100 IGW, ERJ 190-200 STD, -200 LR, -200 IGW. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

(1) This AD applies to Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190-100 STD, -100 LR, and -100 IGW airplanes; and Model ERJ 190-200 STD, -200 LR, and -200 IGW airplanes; certificated in any category; all serial numbers. (2) This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new actions (e.g., inspections). Compliance with these actions is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by this AD, the operator may not be able to accomplish the actions described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval of an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) according to paragraph (j)(1) of this AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required actions that will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane.

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.

This paragraph restates the actions required by paragraph (f) of AD 2010-11-14, Amendment 39-16319 (75 FR 30277, June 1, 2010). (1) Within 90 days after July 6, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-11-14, Amendment 39-16319 (75 FR 30277, June 1, 2010)), revise the ALS of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) to include the tasks specified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. These tasks are identified in EMBRAER Temporary Revision (TR) 2-5, dated December 6, 2007; and EMBRAER TR 2-6, dated February 12, 2008; to Appendix A, Part 2, Airworthiness Limitation Inspections (ALI) -Structures, of the EMBRAER 190 Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR), MRB-1928. Table 1 to Paragraph ( g )(1) of This AD—MRBR TRs and Tasks, With Compliance Times EMBRAER MRBR TR Subject MRBR Task No. Compliance time TR 2-5, dated December 6, 2007 Wing stub main box lower skin and splices—internal 57-01-002-0002 250 flight cycles after July 6, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-11-14, Amendment 39-16319 (75 FR 30277, June 1, 2010)). TR 2-5, dated December 6, 2007 Wing stub spar 3—internal/external 57-01-008-0003 500 flight cycles after July 6, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-11-14, Amendment 39-16319 (75 FR 30277, June 1, 2010)). TR 2-5, dated December 6, 2007 Wing stub spar 3—external 57-01-008-0004 500 flight cycles after July 6, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-11-14, Amendment 39-16319 (75 FR 30277, June 1, 2010)). TR 2-5, dated December 6, 2007 Wing lower skin panel stringers—internal 57-10-007-0004 500 flight cycles after July 6, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-11-14, Amendment 39-16319 (75 FR 30277, June 1, 2010)). TR 2-5, dated December 6, 2007 Wing main box rib 11—internal 57-10-012-0003 500 flight cycles after July 6, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-11-14, Amendment 39-16319 (75 FR 30277, June 1, 2010)). TR 2-6, dated February 12, 2008 Nose landing gear wheel well metallic structure 53-10-021-0004 500 flight cycles after July 6, 2010 (the effective date of AD 2010-11-14, Amendment 39-16319 (75 FR 30277, June 1, 2010)). (2) The actions required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD may be done by inserting a copy of EMBRAER TR 2-5, dated December 6, 2007; and EMBRAER TR 2-6, dated February 12, 2008; to Appendix A, Part 2, Airworthiness Limitation Inspections (ALI) -Structures, of the EMBRAER 190 MRBR, MRB-1928, into the ALS of the EMBRAER 190 MRBR, MRB-1928. When these TRs have been included in general revisions of the EMBRAER 190 MRBR, MRB-1928, the general revisions may be inserted, provided the relevant information in the general revision is identical to that in EMBRAER TR 2-5, dated December 6, 2007; and EMBRAER TR 2-6, dated February 12, 2008, and these TRs may be removed. (3) The initial compliance times for the tasks specified in EMBRAER TR 2-5, dated December 6, 2007; and EMBRAER TR 2-6, dated February 12, 2008; to Appendix A, Part 2, Airworthiness Limitation Inspections (ALI)—Structures, of the EMBRAER 190 MRBR, MRB-1928; start at the later of the times specified in paragraphs (g)(3)(i) and (g)(3)(ii) of this AD. For certain tasks, the compliance times depend on the pre-modification and post-modification condition of the associated service bulletin, as specified in the “Applicability” column of these TRs. (i) Within the applicable threshold times specified in the TRs specified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. (ii) At the applicable compliance time specified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. (iii) Thereafter, except as provided in paragraphs (h) and (j) of this AD, no alternative replacement times or structural inspection intervals may be approved for the tasks specified in the TRs specified in table 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.

This AD was prompted by reports of cracks in some of the structural components of the airplane. We are issuing this AD since failure to inspect these structural components according to the new airworthiness limitation section (ALS) tasks, thresholds, and intervals could prevent a timely detection of fatigue cracking, which if not properly addressed, could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane.

This AD supersedes AD 2010-11-14, Amendment 39-16319 (75 FR 30277, June 1, 2010).