Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15352 · 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; as identified in EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-27-A106, Revision 02, dated December 28, 2007.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain EMBRAER Model EMB-135 airplanes; and Model EMB-145, -145ER, - 145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes. This AD requires inspections to detect discrepancies of the components of the elevator control system, repetitive movements of the control column to observe the normal response of the elevators, repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of the skin of the elevators, and applicable related investigative actions and corrective actions. This AD also provides for optional terminating actions for the inspections and measurements. This AD results from a report indicating that a Model EMB-145 airplane did not rotate in response to the command from the yoke during take-off, which resulted in a rejected take-off. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct discrepancies of the elevator control system, which could result in reduced control of the elevators and consequent 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.
Within 20 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a one-time detailed inspection of the components and general visual inspection of the lower skin of the elevators, and observation of the movement of the elevator control surfaces, by accomplishing all the applicable actions specified in Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions of the EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-27-A106, Revision 02, dated December 28, 2007, unless the terminating actions specified in paragraph (l) of this AD have been done.
(1) If no structural damage or abnormal operation is detected, regardless of observed wind velocity, no further action is required by this paragraph.
(2) If any structural damage or abnormal operation is detected, regardless of observed wind velocity, before further flight, do the detailed visual and general visual inspections and measurements (related investigative action) by accomplishing all the applicable actions specified in Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin.
Note 1: EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-27-A106, Revision 02, dated December 28, 2007, refers to Task 05-50-26-200-802-A, dated March 28, 2006, of Chapter 5-50-26 of EMBRAER EMB 145 Aircraft Maintenance Manual, as an additional source of service information for accomplishing the corresponding inspections and measurements required by paragraphs (f)(2), (h)(2), and (j) of this AD.
(g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-27-A106, dated December 23, 2007; or Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-27-A106, Revision 01, dated December 27, 2007; are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of paragraphs (f) and (f)(2) of this AD only.
Prior to first flight of the day after accomplishing all the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD, or within 10 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, do the observation of the movements of the elevator control surfaces and general visual inspection from the ground by accomplishing all the applicable actions specified in Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-27-A106, Revision 02, dated December 28, 2007, except as required by paragraph (i) of this AD, until the terminating actions specified in paragraph (l) of this AD are done.
(1) If no structural damage or abnormal operation is detected, repeat the movement observations and inspections thereafter prior to first flight of each day of operation.
(2) If any structural damage or abnormal operation is detected, before further flight, do the related investigative actions by accomplishing all the applicable actions specified in Part II of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin. Repeat the movement observations and inspections thereafter prior to first flight of each day of operation.
(i) Where paragraph 3.C.(1)(a) of the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin specifies that the general visual inspection is performed by a checker, this AD requires that the inspection be done by an authorized person identified in section 43.3 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 43.3).
At the applicable times specified in Table 1 of this AD, do the actions specified in Table 1 of this AD by accomplishing all the applicable actions specified in Part III of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-27-A106, Revision 02, dated December 28, 2007. Repeat the applicable actions thereafter at intervals not to exceed 600 flight hours until the terminating actions specified in paragraph (l) of this AD are done; except if the gust lock position and wind conditions specified in paragraph (j)(2) or (j)(3) of this AD occur within that time, the repeat inspection must be done before further flight.
| For airplanes parked on the ground with the gust lock— | Do the following actions— |
|---|---|
| (1) Engaged and the airplane is exposed to winds of less than 50 knots | Within 600 flight hours after accomplishing all the actions required by paragraph (f) of this AD, do the general visual inspection of the upper and lower skins of the elevators, observation of the movements of the elevator control surface, and all applicable related investigative actions. Do all applicable related investigative actions before further flight. |
| (2) Engaged and the airplane is exposed to any winds of 50 knots or more | Before further flight, do the general visual inspection of the upper and lower skins of the elevators, observation of the movements of the elevator control surface, and all applicable related investigative actions. |
| (3) Disengaged, regardless of wind velocity | Before further flight, do the detailed visual and general visual inspections and measurements to detect discrepancies of components of the elevator control system. |
If any discrepancy is detected during any detailed inspection, general visual inspection, or measurement of components of the elevator control system, or applicable related investigative action required by paragraph (f)(2), (h)(2), or (j) of this AD, before further flight, repair it using a method approved by either the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) (or its delegated agent).
Accomplishing the actions required by paragraph (c)(1) or (c)(2), as applicable, of AD 2005-26-15, amendment 39-14436, terminates the requirements of this AD.
Submit a report of any findings of damage or discrepancy found during any inspection required by this AD to the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, or to EMBRAER Technical Support Engineering, fax +55-12-3927-2428; e-mail structure@embraer.com.br; or Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box 343-CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos-SP, Brazil; at the applicable time specified in paragraph (m)(1) or (m)(2) of this AD. The report must include the inspection results, a description of any discrepancies found, the airplane serial number, and the number of landings and flight hours on the airplane. Under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act (44 U.S.C. 3501, et seq.), the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements contained in this AD and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056.
(1) If the inspection was done after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the inspection.
(2) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of 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.
