Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13733 · 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, certificated in any category; with serial numbers 120004 and 120006 through 120355 inclusive; that have been modified in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-31-0039, 120-31-0040, 120-31-0041, or 120-31-0042.
This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-120 series airplanes, that currently requires measuring the gap between the bellcrank and the body of the rotary variable inductive transducers (RVITs) of the aileron and elevator, performing corrective action if necessary, and torquing the bolt that attaches the bellcrank to the RVIT shaft. This amendment requires replacing the aileron and elevator RVIT bellcranks with new, improved bellcranks. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent restricted movement of the aileron or elevator, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent restricted movement of the aileron or elevator, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 50 flight hours after August 27, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-17-01, amendment 39-12392), measure the gap between the bellcrank and the body of the rotary variable inductive transducers (RVITs) of the elevator and aileron, in accordance with EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 120-31-A046, dated July 13, 2001.
(1) If the gap is within the limits specified by the alert service bulletin: Prior to further flight, tighten the bolt that attaches the bellcrank to the RVIT shaft to a torque of 40-45 inch pounds, in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
(2) If the gap is not within the limits specified by the alert service bulletin: Prior to further flight, accomplish all applicable corrective actions (including inspecting to detect damage of the connecting rod, replacing any damaged rod with a new rod having the same part number, and adjusting the gap between the bellcrank and the RVIT body), and tighten the bolt that attaches the bellcrank to the RVIT shaft to a torque of 40-45 inch pounds; in accordance with the alert service bulletin.
(b) Within 4,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD: Replace the aileron and elevator RVIT bellcranks having part number (P/N) 123-82549-007 or P/N 123-82549-009, as applicable, with new, improved bellcranks having P/N 145-51146-001 or P/N 145-51147-001, respectively, in accordance with Paragraph 2.8 of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-31-0046, Revision 01, dated December 27, 2002.
(c) Replacement of the bellcranks accomplished before the effective date of this AD per EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-31-0046, dated February 20, 2002, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action specified in this AD.
(d) 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.
