AD 99-17-04 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.

Model EMB-120 series airplanes, as listed in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-27-0068, Change 02, dated March 20, 1998, 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 otherwise 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 chafing between the aileron control cables and nylon grommets, which could result in failure of the aileron cables, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: (a) Within 400 hours time-in-service after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of either paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD. Repetitive Inspections (1) Perform a general visual inspection to detect chafing between the aileron control cables and nylon grommets, in accordance with the procedures specified in EMBRAER EMB-120 Airplane Maintenance Manual, Chapters 20-20-01, 27-00-01, and 27-11-00. (i) If any chafing is detected, prior to further flight, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD. (ii) If no chafing is detected: Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 hours time-in-service until the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD have been accomplished. General Visual Inspection Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: ``A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.'' (2) Accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b) of this AD. Replacement (b) Except as provided by paragraph (a)(2) of this AD: Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD, accomplish the requirements of paragraph (b)(1), (b)(2), (b)(3), or (b)(4) of this AD, as applicable, in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120- 27-0068, Change 02, dated March 20, 1998. Accomplishment of the requirements of this paragraph constitutes terminating action for the repetitive inspections specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD. (1) For airplanes having serial numbers 120003, 120004, and 120006 through 120217 inclusive, on which the modification specified in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-27-0068, dated February 28, 1991, has not been accomplished: Replace the fairlead support assemblies of the aileron control cable (provided with fairleads in both Teflon and nylon) located in the nacelle outboard fittings with new, improved assemblies (Part I), in accordance with the service bulletin. (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 120003, 120004, and 120006 through 120217 inclusive, on which the modification specified in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-27-0068, dated February 28, 1991, has been accomplished; and airplanes having serial numbers 120218 through 120331 inclusive: Replace the fairlead support assemblies of the aileron control cable (provided with fairleads in Teflon) located in the nacelle outboard fittings with new, improved assemblies (Part II), in accordance with the service bulletin. (3) For airplanes having serial numbers 120003, 120004, and 120006 through 120331 inclusive, on which the modification specified in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-27-0068, dated February 28, 1991, or Change 01, dated August 1, 1997, has been accomplished; and airplanes having serial numbers 120332 and 120333: Replace the attachment screws and the fairlead support assemblies of the aileron control cable with new, improved assemblies (Part III), in accordance with the service bulletin. (4) For airplanes having serial numbers 120334, 120335, and 120336: Replace the attachment screws of the fairlead support assemblies of the aileron control cable (Part IV), in accordance with the service bulletin. Alternative Methods of Compliance (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 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO. Special Flight Permits (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. Incorporation by Reference (e) The replacement shall be done in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-27-0068, Change 02, dated March 20, 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 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 22, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 6, 1999. D.L. Riggin, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-20880 Filed 8-17-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P