AD 2017-06-08 Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. Airplanes

Models named: ERJ 170-100 LR, -100 STD, -100 SE, -100 SU, ERJ 170-200 LR, -200 SU, -200 STD. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 170-100 LR, -100 STD, -100 SE, and -100 SU airplanes; and Model ERJ 170-200 LR, -200 SU, and -200 STD airplanes; certificated in any category; manufacturer serial numbers 17000002, 17000004 through 17000013 inclusive, and 17000015 through 17000453 inclusive.

Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.

This paragraph restates the action required by paragraph (i) of AD 2012-07-08, with no changes. (1) Within 60 days after May 29, 2012 (the effective date of AD 2012-07-08): Revise the maintenance program to incorporate the new or revised tasks specified in Part 2—Airworthiness Limitation Inspection (ALI)—Structures, of Appendix A, Airworthiness Limitations, to the EMBRAER 170 Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR), MRB-1621, Revision 7, dated November 11, 2010; and EMBRAER Temporary Revision 7-1, dated February 11, 2011, to Part 2—Airworthiness Limitation Inspection (ALI)—Structures, of Appendix A, Airworthiness Limitations, to the EMBRAER 170 MRBR, MRB-1621, Revision 7, dated November 11, 2010; with the initial compliance times and intervals specified in these documents. (2) The initial compliance times for the tasks start from the date of issuance of the original Brazilian airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original Brazilian export certificate of airworthiness of the applicable airplane at the applicable time specified in the tasks, or within 600 flight cycles after revising the maintenance program, whichever occurs later. For certain tasks, the compliance times depend on the pre-modification and post-modification status of the actions specified in the associated service bulletin, as specified in the “Applicability” column of Part 2—Airworthiness Limitation Inspection (ALI)—Structures, of Appendix A, Airworthiness Limitations, to the EMBRAER 170 MRBR, MRB-1621, Revision 7, dated November 11, 2010; and EMBRAER Temporary Revision 7-1, dated February 11, 2011, to Part 2—Airworthiness Limitation Inspection (ALI)—Structures, of Appendix A, Airworthiness Limitations, to the EMBRAER 170 MRBR, MRB-1621, Revision 7, dated November 11, 2010.

This AD was prompted by a determination that more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct fatigue cracking of various principal structural elements (PSEs); such cracking could result in reduced structural integrity of the airplane. We are also issuing this AD to prevent safety-significant latent failures; such failures, in combination with one or more other specified failures or events, could result in a hazardous or catastrophic failure condition of avionics, hydraulic systems, fire detection systems, fuel systems, or other critical systems. We are also issuing this AD to prevent the potential for ignition sources inside fuel tanks caused by latent failures, alterations, repairs, or maintenance actions; such failures, in combination with flammable fuel vapors, could result in fuel tank explosions and consequent loss of the airplane.

This AD replaces the ADs specified in paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this AD: (1) AD 2006-06-09, Amendment 39-14518 (71 FR 14365, March 22, 2006) (“AD 2006-06-09”). (2) AD 2012-05-08, Amendment 39-16980 (77 FR 16155, March 20, 2012) (“AD 2012-05-08”). (3) AD 2012-07-08, Amendment 39-17014 (77 FR 24342, April 24, 2012) (“AD 2012-07-08”).