Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13695 · Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-120 Series Airplanes
Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-120 Series Airplanes
Model EMB-120 series airplanes, serial numbers 120003, 120004, and 120006 through 120358 inclusive; certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-120 series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of the access door ramp of the fueling control panel for damage or deformation, and applicable corrective actions. This action is necessary to prevent inadvertent fuel transfer in flight due to fuel service personnel not repositioning the defuel valve switch control to the closed position after utilization on the ground, which could cause in-flight fuel starvation. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent inadvertent fuel transfer in flight due to fuel service personnel not repositioning the defuel valve switch control to the closed position after utilization on the ground, which could cause in-flight fuel starvation, accomplish the following:
(a) For airplanes that have a ramp on the access door of the fueling control panel: Within 1,200 flight hours or 8 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a general visual inspection of the access door ramp for damage or deformation; and do all applicable corrective actions by accomplishing all the actions in accordance with paragraph 2.2.3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-57-0038, dated June 26, 2002. Do the actions per the service bulletin. Accomplish any applicable corrective actions before further flight.
Note 1: 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 from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight 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.”
(b) For airplanes that do not have a ramp on the access door of the fueling control panel: Within 1,200 flight hours or 8 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, modify the access door by accomplishing all the actions in paragraph 2.1.3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-57-0038, dated June 26, 2002. Do the actions per the service bulletin. Accomplish any applicable corrective actions before further flight.
(c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
