AD 99-19-28 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-120RT and -120ER Series Airplanes

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

Model EMB-120RT and -120ER series airplanes, equipped with BFGoodrich brake assemblies having part number (P/N) 2-1585 or 2-1479-1; 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 (d) 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 brake assemblies of the main landing gear (MLG) due to cracking or splitting of the stator disk, which could result in loss of brake effectiveness and could cause the airplane to leave the runway surface, accomplish the following: (a) Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed visual inspection for discrepancies (e.g., locking or hanging up, broken or damaged stators, and excessive distortion of the wear plates) of the brake assemblies on the MLG, in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. Repeat the inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 flight hours. (1) For airplanes equipped with BFGoodrich main brake assemblies having P/N 2-1479-1: Inspect in accordance with BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 2-1479-32-2, Revision 1, dated June 17, 1998. (2) For airplanes equipped with BFGoodrich main brake assemblies having P/N 2-1585: Inspect in accordance with BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 2-1585-32-1, Revision 1, dated June 17, 1998. Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed visual inspection is defined as: ``An intensive visual examination of a specific structural area, system, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at intensity deemed appropriate by the inspector. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be used. Surface cleaning and elaborate access procedures may be required.'' (b) If any discrepancy is detected during any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace the brake assembly with a new or serviceable brake assembly, in accordance with section 32-41-05 of EMBRAER EMB-120 Brasilia Maintenance Manual, dated April 30, 1992. Repeat the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD thereafter at intervals not to exceed 400 flight hours. (c) Within 10 days after accomplishing any inspection required by this AD, if a discrepant brake assembly is detected, submit a report of the inspection results to BFGoodrich, Aircraft Wheels and Brakes, P.O. Box 340 Troy, Ohio, 45373. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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 (e) 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 (f) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this AD, the inspections and replacement shall be done in accordance with BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 2-1479-32-2, Revision 1, dated June 17, 1998, and BFGoodrich Service Bulletin 2-1585-32-1, Revision 1, dated June 17, 1998, as applicable. 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 BFGoodrich, Aircraft Wheels and Brakes, P.O. Box 340, Troy, Ohio 45373. 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. [[Page 49977]] (g) This amendment becomes effective on October 20, 1999. Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 2, 1999. Dorenda D. Baker, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 99-23473 Filed 9-14-99; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P