AD 97-26-22 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-120 Series Airplanes

Models named: EMB-120 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model EMB-120 series airplanes, certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent a sudden change in pitch attitude caused by autopilot disconnect, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 20 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a one-time inspection of the movable backstop of the elevator pitch trim command system to ensure that it is installed correctly, in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 120-27-A081, Change 01, dated October 9, 1997. If any discrepancy is found, prior to further flight, accomplish follow-on corrective actions, in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (b) Within 75 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, install a guide for the movable backstop of the elevator pitch trim command system, in accordance with Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 120-27-A081, Change 01, dated October 9, 1997. (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO. Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO. (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 120-27-A081, Change 01, dated October 9, 1997. 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; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian emergency airworthiness directive 97-09-08R1, dated October 23, 1997. (f) This amendment becomes effective on January 13, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 19, 1997. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 97-33667 Filed 12-24-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U