AD 98-13-34 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica, S.A. (EMBRAER), Model EMB-145 Series Airplanes

Models named: EMB-145 series. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

All Model EMB-145 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 (b) 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 failure of the nose landing gear (NLG) to extend and lock down properly, which could result in damage to the airplane structure, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane upon landing, accomplish the following: (a) Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform an emergency extension (free-fall) functional test of the NLG, to ensure that the mechanism extends and locks down properly, in accordance with EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-32-A029, dated April 15, 1998. Repeat the functional test and lubrication procedures thereafter at intervals not to exceed every ``A'' check, but no later than 400 flight cycles. Note 2: The alert service bulletin references EMBRAER Aircraft Maintenance Manual (AMM), Chapter 32-34-00, as an additional source of service information for accomplishment of the emergency extension functional test. (1) If the extension time of the landing gear is within 30 seconds, prior to further flight, lubricate all NLG hinge points in accordance with Figure 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. (2) If the extension time of the landing gear exceeds 30 seconds, prior to further flight, accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(2)(i) and (a)(2)(ii) of this AD. (i) Lubricate all NLG hinge points in accordance with Figure 1 of the Accomplishment Instructions of the alert service bulletin. And (ii) Perform a normal system functional test of the NLG for five cycles, and repeat the emergency extension functional test specified by paragraph (a) of this AD. If the extension and locking time still exceeds 30 seconds, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by either the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, or the Departmento de Aviacao Civil (DAC) (or its delegated agent). Note 3: The alert service bulletin references EMBRAER AMM, Chapter 32-30-00, as an additional source of service information for accomplishment of the normal system functional test. (3) If any malfunction other than that specified in paragraph (a)(2) of this AD is detected, prior to further flight, repair in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, Atlanta ACO, or the DAC (or its delegated agent). (b) 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 ACO. 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 4: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO. (c) 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. (d) The tests and lubrication shall be done in accordance with EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-32-A029, dated April 15, 1998. 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 5: The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian airworthiness directive 98-05-01, dated May 12, 1998. (e) This amendment becomes effective on July 9, 1998. Issued in Renton, Washington, on June 16, 1998. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 98-16497 Filed 6-23-98; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U