AD 2005-20-37

You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.

Within 600 flight hours or 180 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, inspect the left and right MLG to determine whether cardan assembly part number (P/N) 2309-2041-003 is installed. A review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this inspection if the P/N of the cardan assembly can be conclusively determined from that review. If cardan P/N 2309-2041-003 is not installed in the MLG, no further action is required for that MLG, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD. If cardan P/N 2309-2041-003 is installed in the MLG, continue with paragraph (g) of this AD.

Within 600 flight hours or 180 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a detailed inspection for surface bruising of the MLG trailing arms and integrity of the MLG pivot axle sealant; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-32-0091, Change 01, dated July 1, 2004. If no sign of sealant failure or bruising of the trailing arm is found, repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 5,500 flight hours or 24 months, whichever occurs first, until paragraph (h) of this AD has been accomplished.

Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a detailed inspection is: “An intensive examination of a specific item, installation, or assembly to detect damage, failure, or irregularity. Available lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as mirror, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning and elaborate procedures may be required.”

If any sign of sealant failure or bruising of either trailing arm surface is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, prior to further flight, do paragraphs (h)(1), (h)(2), and (h)(3) of this AD. Do the actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-32-0091, Change 01, dated July 1, 2004. Accomplishment of paragraph (h) of this AD for any MLG ends the repetitive inspections required by paragraph (g) for that MLG.

(1) Repair any bruising of the trailing arm surface.

(2) Replace the MLG cardan with a new, improved cardan having P/N 2309-2041-401.

(3) Perform a detailed inspection for corrosion of the internal surface of the trailing arm pivot axle.

(i) If no corrosion is found, prior to further flight, apply protective paint and corrosion inhibitors.

(ii) If corrosion is found, prior to further flight, replace the pivot axle with a new pivot axle and apply corrosion inhibitors.

Note 2: EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-32-0091, Change 01, dated July 1, 2004, refers to Embraer Liebherr Equipamentos do Brasil S.A. (ELEB) Service Bulletin 2309-2002-32-04, Revision 01, dated May 24, 2004, as an additional source of service information for the inspection and repair of the MLG components. The ELEB service bulletin is included within the EMBRAER service bulletin.

(i) Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD according to EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-32-0091, dated February 19, 2004, are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD.

As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an MLG having a cardan assembly, part number 2309-2041-003, on any affected airplane, unless the requirements of paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, as applicable, have been accomplished.