Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16980 · Wings
Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Airplanes
This AD applies to all Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170-100 LR, -100 STD, -100 SE., and -100 SU airplanes; and Model ERJ 170-200 LR, -200 SU, and -200 STD airplanes; certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive inspections for fuel leakage and cracks on the wing spar II, close to the rib 10 area, and repair if necessary. This AD was prompted by reports of fuel seepage at the left- hand wing, close to the rib 10 area in two airplanes. We are issuing this AD to detect and correct cracking on the wing spar II, which could result in a fuel leak, consequent reduced structural integrity of the airplane, and possible fire.
You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done.
At the applicable time specified in paragraph (g)(1), (g)(2), or (g)(3) of this AD: Do a general visual inspection for fuel leakage on the wings, close to the rib 10 area, while both tanks are fully fueled, in accordance with Part I of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 170-57-A053, dated February 13, 2012.
Note 1 to paragraph (g) of this AD: Guidance on performing the inspection for fuel leakage can be found in Task 28-11-00-790-801-A, Wing Tank—Fueled Tank Leakage Check, of the EMBRAER 170/175 Aircraft Maintenance Manual.
(1) For airplanes that have accumulated 11,999 or fewer total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect before the accumulation of 12,000 total flight cycles, or within 150 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(2) For airplanes that have accumulated more than 11,999 total flight cycles but fewer than 13,926 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect within 150 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD.
(3) For airplanes that have accumulated more than 13,925 total flight cycles as of the effective date of this AD: Inspect before the accumulation of 14,075 total flight cycles, or within 75 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
If any sign of fuel leakage is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, before further flight, do a detailed inspection for cracks on spar II, spar cap third, and main box lower skin of the wings, close to the rib 10, in accordance with Part II or Part III, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 170-57-A053, dated February 13, 2012. Repeat the inspection thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 flight cycles until accomplishment of the requirements of paragraph (j) of this AD.
If no sign of fuel leakage is found during the most recent inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, within 450 flight cycles after accomplishing the inspection, repeat the general visual inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD and do a detailed inspection for cracks on spar II, spar cap third, and main box lower skin of the wings, close to the rib 10, in accordance with Part II and Part III of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 170-57-A053, dated February 13, 2012. Repeat both inspections thereafter at intervals not to exceed 450 flight cycles.
If any fuel leakage is found during any inspection required by paragraph (g) or (i) of this AD: Within 150 flight cycles after the most recent inspection, do an eddy current special detailed inspection for cracks on spar II of the wings, and a defueled tank leak check for fuel leakage, in accordance with Part IV and Part V, as applicable, of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 170-57-A053, dated February 13, 2012.
(1) If any crack is found: Do the actions specified in paragraph (k) of this AD.
(2) If no crack is found: Repeat the general visual inspection specified in paragraph (g) of this AD and the detailed inspection specified in paragraph (i) of this AD at intervals not to exceed 450 flight cycles.
If any cracking or fuel leakage is found during any inspection or check required by this AD: Before further flight, repair 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). Repair of any crack terminates the repetitive inspection requirements required by this AD for that side of the wing.
Note 2 to paragraph (k) of this AD: Guidance on the classification of “fuel leakage” and the disposition of fuel leaks can be found in Task 28-11-00-790-801-A, Wing Tank—Fueled Tank Leakage Check, of the EMBRAER 170/175 Aircraft Maintenance Manual.
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.
