Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-13977 · Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 and -145 Series Airplanes
Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 and -145 Series Airplanes
Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes, with air turbine starter (ATS) units having part numbers (P/N) 3505910-4 or -5; certificated in any category.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections of the oil in the air turbine starter (ATS) to determine the quantity of the oil and the amount of debris contamination in the oil. If the oil quantity is incorrect or if excessive debris is found in the oil, this AD requires replacement of the ATS with a new or serviceable ATS, and continued repetitive detailed inspections. This AD also requires eventual replacement of each ATS with a new, improved ATS, which constitutes terminating action for the repetitive detailed inspections. This action is necessary to prevent a flash fire in the nacelle, which would result in the flightcrew shutting down the engine during flight, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.
To prevent a flash fire in the nacelle, which would result in the flightcrew shutting down the engine during flight, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:
(a) The term “service bulletin,” as used in this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as applicable:
(1) For the detailed inspection and replacements specified in paragraphs (b), (c) and (d) of this AD: For Model EMB-135 BJ series airplanes, EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-80-0001, Revision 01, dated April 10, 2003; and for all other affected airplanes, EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-80-0005, Revision 02, dated September 16, 2003.
(2) For the replacement specified in paragraph (e) of this AD: For Model EMB-135 BJ series airplanes, EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-80-0002, dated October 2, 2003; and for all other affected airplanes, EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-80-0006, dated October 2, 2003.
Note 1: These service bulletins refer to Honeywell Service Bulletin 3505910-80-1789, dated August 19, 2003, as an additional source of service information. The Honeywell service bulletin is included in the EMBRAER service bulletins. Although this Honeywell service bulletin specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include such a requirement.
(b) Within 200 flight hours or 90 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Perform a detailed inspection of the oil in the air turbine starter (ATS) to determine the quantity of oil and to determine the amount of debris contamination in the oil in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 500 flight hours or 180 days, whichever occurs first.
Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed 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.”
(c) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, no oil debris contamination is found that is in excess of the limits allowed by the applicable service bulletin; and if the amount of oil in the ATS is correct: Prior to further flight, replace the oil in the ATS with new oil, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
(d) If, during the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD, the oil quantity is found to be incorrect; or if oil debris contamination is found that is in excess of the limits allowed by the applicable service bulletin: Replace the ATS with a new or serviceable ATS having part number (P/N) 3505910-4, P/N 3505910-5, or P/N 3505910-6, at the times specified in and in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. If an affected ATS has less than 400 flight hours since new or last overhaul, the “penalty run” test may be performed before further flight and the ATS replaced at the times specified in and in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
(e) Within 26 months after the effective date of this AD, replace any ATS having P/N 3505910-4 or -5 with a new ATS having P/N 3505910-6 in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. This replacement constitutes terminating action for the repetitive detailed inspections required by paragraph (b) of this AD.
(f) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD per EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-80-0005, Revision 01, dated April 10, 2003, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD.
(g) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.
