AD 99-01-12 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.

Model EMB-145 series airplanes, serial numbers 145004 through 145047 inclusive and 145049 through 145051 inclusive; certificated in any category; equipped with IC-600 having part number (P/N) 7017000-82402 or P/N 7017000-83402; excluding those airplanes on which the modification specified in any of the following Embraer service bulletins has been accomplished: Embraer Service Bulletin 145-22-0001, dated May 7, 1998; Embraer Service Bulletin 145-22-0004, Revision 01, dated July 30, 1998; Embraer Service Bulletin 145-31-0007, Revision 02, dated June 30, 1998.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. [[Page 4523]] To prevent failure of the pitch trim system, which could cause undetected autopilot trim runaway, and result in reduced controllability of the airplane, uncommanded autopilot disconnect, and excessive altitude loss; accomplish the following: (a) Within 20 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), (a)(3), and (a)(4) of this AD. (1) Install warning placards, P/N 145-39641-001, on the left and right sides of the cockpit glareshield panel, using double-face tape (or similar), in accordance with Embraer Alert Service Bulletin S.B. 145-31-A010, dated December 15, 1998, which state: ``DO NOT OPERATE AUTOPILOT BELOW 1,500 FT A.G.L.'' (2) Revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) (in the ``AUTOPILOT'' section) to include the information contained in this paragraph of the AD. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM. AUTOPILOT THE USE OF AUTOPILOT BELOW 1,500 FEET IS PROHIBITED.'' (3) Revise the Emergency Procedures Section of the FAA-approved AFM (in the ``PITCH TRIM RUNAWAY'' section) to include the following statement. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM. PITCH TRIM RUNAWAY Immediately and simultaneously: Control Column..............................................HOLD FIRMLY Quick Disconnect Button..................................PRESS AND HOLD Pitch Trim Main System..............................................OFF Pitch Trim Back Up System...........................................OFF Quick Disconnect Button.........................................RELEASE If control column forces are excessive, try to recover airplane control by turning one system on and trimming the airplane as necessary. Initiate with the backup system. Leave the failed system off. If neither system is operative: PITCH TRIM INOPERATIVE Procedure...............................COMPLETE Autopilot...........................................................OFF Do not use the autopilot for the remainder of the flight.'' (4) Revise the Abnormal Procedures Section of the FAA-approved AFM (in the ``AUTOPILOT'' section) to include the following statement. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM. AUTOPILOT TRIM FAILED PITCH TRIM RUNAWAY Procedure....................................PERFORM STABILIZER OUT OF TRIM PITCH TRIM RUNAWAY Procedure..................................PERFORM'' (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 Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Operations Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO. Note 1: 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 installation shall be done in accordance with Embraer Alert Service Bulletin S.B. 145-31-A010, dated December 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 30349; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. Note 2: The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian airworthiness directive 98-12-01, dated December 21, 1998. (e) This amendment becomes effective on February 2, 1999, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 99-01-12, issued December 29, 1998, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 21, 1999. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-1980 Filed 1-28-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P