Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-14391 · 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, -135LR, -145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes; certificated in any category; having spring cartridges part number KPD2611 installed in the elevator gust lock system.
The FAA is superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-135 and Model EMB-145 series airplanes. The existing AD currently requires repetitive inspections of the spring cartridges of the elevator gust lock system to determine if the lock washer projection correctly fits the slots in the cartridge flange, and corrective action if necessary. The existing AD also provides for optional terminating action for the repetitive inspections for certain airplanes. This AD retains the requirements of the existing AD and adds a requirement for final terminating action for all affected airplanes. This AD results from reports of an improperly fitting lock washer causing the clevis of the spring cartridge in the electromechanical elevator gust lock system to become unscrewed. We are issuing this AD to prevent the unscrewing of the spring cartridge clevis from jamming the elevator, which could lead to reduced controllability of the airplane.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
For Model EMB-135BJ airplanes: Within 30 days after May 14, 2003 (the effective date of AD 2003-09-03), perform a general visual inspection of each spring cartridge of the elevator gust lock system to determine if the lock washer projection correctly fits the slots in the cartridge flange, in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-27-0006, dated December 9, 2002; Revision 01, dated June 3, 2003; or Revision 02, dated April 12, 2004. Before further flight, replace any discrepant spring cartridge with a new part having the same part number, in accordance with the service bulletin; or replace the spring cartridge, part number (P/N) KDP2611, with a new, improved spring cartridge, P/N KDP4235, as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. After the effective date of this AD, only the replacement specified in paragraph (h) may be accomplished. Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 800 flight hours until the replacement of the spring cartridge is accomplished as required by paragraph (h). Although the service bulletin recommends that operators report inspection results to EMBRAER, this AD does not require such a report.
Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is: “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 ensure visual access to all 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.”
(g) For airplanes not identified in paragraph (f) of this AD: At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1) or (g)(2) of this AD, perform a general visual inspection of each spring cartridge of the elevator gust lock system to determine if the lock washer projection correctly fits the slots in the cartridge flange, in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-27-0098, dated December 9, 2002; Change 01, dated June 3, 2003; or Revision 02, dated April 12, 2004. Repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 800 flight hours after the initial inspection until the replacement of the spring cartridge, P/N KDP2611, with a new, improved spring cartridge, P/N KDP4235, is done as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. Although the service bulletin recommends that operators report inspection results to EMBRAER, this AD does not require such a report.
(1) For airplanes equipped with an operational electromechanical gust lock system on the elevator: Inspect within 30 days after May 14, 2003, in accordance with PART I of the service bulletin. Before further flight, replace any discrepant spring cartridge with a new part having the same part number, in accordance with PART I of the service bulletin; or do the replacement specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. After the effective date of this AD, only the replacement specified in paragraph (h) may be accomplished.
(2) For airplanes that are not equipped with an operational electromechanical gust lock system on the elevator, but that are equipped with provisions for the system: Inspect within 60 days after May 14, 2003, in accordance with PART II of the service bulletin. Before further flight, replace any discrepant spring cartridge with a new part having the same part number, in accordance with PART II of the service bulletin; or do the replacement specified in paragraph (h) of this AD. After the effective date of this AD, only the replacement specified in paragraph (h) may be accomplished. Alternatively, removal of the spring cartridges terminates the repetitive inspection requirement of this AD during the time the cartridges are removed.
Within 5,500 flight hours or 36 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever comes first, replace the spring cartridge, P/N KPD2611, with a new, improved spring cartridge, P/N KDP4235, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-27-0012, Revision 01, dated April 12, 2004 (for Model EMB-135BJ airplanes); or EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-27-0102, Revision 02, dated January 20, 2005 (for Model EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, -145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes); as applicable. Accomplishing this replacement terminates the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (f) and (g) of this AD.
(i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a spring cartridge, P/N KPD2611, on any airplane.
Spring cartridge replacements accomplished before the effective date of this AD in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-27-0012, dated March 2, 2004; or EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-27-0102, dated December 23, 2003, or Revision 01, dated April 12, 2004; are considered acceptable for compliance with the corresponding action required by this AD.
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.
