Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14382 · Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 Airplanes and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP Airplanes
Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 Airplanes and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP Airplanes
This AD applies to EMBRAER Model EMB-135BJ, -135ER, -135KE, -135KL, and -135LR airplanes; and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes; certificated in any category; equipped with Hamilton Sundstrand auxiliary power unit (APU) Model T-62T-40C14 (APS 500R).
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD), which applies to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-135 airplanes and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes. That AD currently requires revising the airplane flight manual (AFM) to prohibit in-flight auxiliary power unit (APU) starts, and installing a placard on or near the APU start/stop switch panel to provide such instructions to the flightcrew. This new AD adds an optional revision to the AFM that allows limited APU starts and adds a terminating action. This AD results from the airplane manufacturer developing modifications that revise or eliminate the need for restrictions to in-flight APU starts. We are issuing this AD to prevent flame backflow into the APU compartment through the eductor during in- flight APU starts, which could result in fire in the APU compartment.
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 25 flight hours or 10 days after May 29, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-10-01), whichever occurs first, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD.
(1) Install a placard on or near the APU start/stop switch panel that reads:
Note 1: Installing a placard in accordance with EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-49-A017, dated April 12, 2001, is acceptable for compliance with the action required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD.
(2) Revise the Limitations section of the AFM to include the information on the placard, as specified in paragraph (f)(1) of this AD, and to limit APU starts to ground conditions only. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM.
Note 2: Because APU starts are prohibited in flight when an engine-driven generator is inoperative, the APU must be started on the ground in order to dispatch, and the APU must be kept operational for the entire flight.
Doing the actions specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-49-0017, Change 01, dated June 7, 2001, terminates the requirements of paragraph (f) of this AD.
(1) Measure the gap between the APU and the APU exhaust silencer, install a flush-type APU air inlet frame, and install or replace, as applicable, the placard on or near the APU start/stop switch panel with a placard that reads:
(2) Revise the Limitations section of the AFM to include the information on the placard specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD to limit APU starts. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM. Remove any existing copy of AD 2001-10-01 from the AFM.
Within 8,000 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, measure the gap between the APU and the APU exhaust silencer, install a raised-type APU air inlet frame, remove any placard on or near the APU start/stop switch panel that limits APU starts, and reidentify the APU cowling, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-49-0018, Change 04, dated November 26, 2002, except as provided by paragraph (j) of this AD. Doing the actions in paragraph (h) of this AD terminates the requirements of paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD, and any copy of AD 2001-10-01 or this AD may be removed from the AFM.
(i) Prior to or concurrently with the actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, install an APU silencer in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-49-0009, Change 09, dated April 12, 2005.
If, during the actions specified in paragraphs (g) and (h) of this AD, any measurement exceeds the limits specified in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-49-0017, Change 01, dated June 7, 2001; or EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-49-0018, Change 04, dated November 26, 2002; as applicable; and the service bulletin specifies to contact EMBRAER: Before further flight, repair per a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the DAC (or its delegated agent).
Actions accomplished before the effective date of this AD according to the service bulletins listed in Table 1 of this AD are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions specified in this AD.
| EMBRAER service bulletin | Change level | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 145-49-0009 | 03 | May 15, 2001. |
| 145-49-0009 | 04 | July 5, 2001. |
| 145-49-0009 | 05 | October 1, 2001. |
| 145-49-0009 | 06 | January 3, 2002. |
| 145-49-0009 | 07 | September 1, 2002. |
| 145-49-0009 | 08 | September 1, 2003. |
| 145-49-0017 | Original | May 15, 2001. |
| 145-49-0018 | 03 | January 3, 2002. |
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
