Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170 Airplanes, 30284-30287 [2010-12671]

Download as PDF 30284 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 104 / Tuesday, June 1, 2010 / Rules and Regulations Actions Compliance Procedures (1) Clean and lubricate the aileron pushrod bearings. Within the next 10 hours time-in-service (TIS) after July 6, 2010 (the effective date of this AD). Within 50 hours TIS after the cleaning and lubrication required by paragraph (f)(1) of this AD. Repetitively thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. Follow Quartz Mountain Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin No. SB 09–02, dated May 5, 2009. Follow Quartz Mountain Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin No. SB 09–02, dated May 5, 2009. (2) Lubricate the aileron pushrod bearings ........ Special Flight Permit Issued in Kansas City, Missouri, on May 14, 2010. Kim Smith, Manager, Small Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. (g) Under 14 CFR part 39.23, a special flight is not permitted for this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) [FR Doc. 2010–12302 Filed 5–28–10; 8:45 am] (h) The Manager, Fort Worth Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Garry D. Sills, Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate— Airplane Certification Office, ASW–150, 2601 Meacham Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76193; telephone: (817) 222–5154; facsimile: (817) 222–5960. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with RULES Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use Quartz Mountain Aerospace Mandatory Service Bulletin No. SB 09–02, dated May 5, 2009, to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) Quartz Mountain Aerospace, Inc. is in liquidation. For service information identified in this AD, contact Manager, Fort Worth Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, ATTN: Garry D. Sills, Aerospace Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate—Airplane Certification Office, ASW–150, 2601 Meacham Blvd, Fort Worth, Texas 76193; telephone: (817) 222– 5154; fax: (817) 222–5960. (3) You may review copies of the service information incorporated by reference for this AD at the FAA, Central Region, Office of the Regional Counsel, 901 Locust, Kansas City, Missouri 64106. For information on the availability of this material at the Central Region, call (816) 329–3768. (4) You may also review copies of the service information incorporated by reference for this AD at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741–6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/ code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_ locations.html. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:55 May 28, 2010 Jkt 220001 BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Aviation Administration 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2010–0176; Directorate Identifier 2009–NM–201–AD; Amendment 39–16318; AD 2010–11–13] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170 Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: During ERJ 170 airplane full scale fatigue test, cracks were found in some structural components of the airplane. Analysis of these cracks resulted in modifications on the airplane Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI), to include new inspections tasks or modification of existing ones and its respective thresholds and intervals. Failure to inspect these components according to the new tasks, thresholds and intervals, could prevent a timely detection of fatigue cracks. Undetected fatigue cracks in these areas could adversely affect the structural integrity of these airplanes. * * * * * We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective July 6, 2010. PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 6, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenny Kaulia, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2848; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 4, 2010 (75 FR 9811). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: During ERJ 170 airplane full scale fatigue test, cracks were found in some structural components of the airplane. Analysis of these cracks resulted in modifications on the airplane Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI), to include new inspections tasks or modification of existing ones and its respective thresholds and intervals. Failure to inspect these components according to the new tasks, thresholds and intervals, could prevent a timely detection of fatigue cracks. Undetected fatigue cracks in these areas could adversely affect the structural integrity of these airplanes. * * * * * The corrective action is revising the Airworthiness Limitations section of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new structural inspection requirements. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Comments We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or E:\FR\FM\01JNR1.SGM 01JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 104 / Tuesday, June 1, 2010 / Rules and Regulations on the determination of the cost to the public. Conclusion We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information provided in the MCAI and related service information. We might also have required different actions in this AD from those in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences are highlighted in a Note within the AD. Costs of Compliance We estimate that this AD will affect 166 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that it will take about 1 workhour per product to comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this AD to the U.S. operators to be $14,110, or $85 per product. srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with RULES Authority for This Rulemaking Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator. ‘‘Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,’’ describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s authority. We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in ‘‘Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.’’ Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action. Regulatory Findings We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:55 May 28, 2010 Jkt 220001 the States, on the relationship between the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government. For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD: 1. Is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’ under Executive Order 12866; 2. Is not a ‘‘significant rule’’ under the DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and 3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act. We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket. Examining the AD Docket You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647–5527) is in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after receipt. List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39 Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety. Adoption of the Amendment Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: ■ PART 39—AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: ■ Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new AD: ■ 2010–11–13 Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER): Amendment 39–16318. Docket No. FAA–2010–0176; Directorate Identifier 2009–NM–201–AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 6, 2010. Affected ADs (b) None. PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 30285 Applicability (c) This AD applies to all Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170–100 LR, –100 STD, –100 SE, –100 SU, –200 LR, –200 STD, and –200 SU airplanes; certificated in any category. Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance according to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. The request should include a description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure the continued operational safety of the airplane. The FAA has provided guidance for this determination in Advisory Circular (AC) 25– 1529–1A. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: Fuselage; 57: Wings. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: During ERJ 170 airplane full scale fatigue test, cracks were found in some structural components of the airplane. Analysis of these cracks resulted in modifications on the airplane Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI), to include new inspections tasks or modification of existing ones and its respective thresholds and intervals. Failure to inspect these components according to the new tasks, thresholds and intervals, could prevent a timely detection of fatigue cracks. Undetected fatigue cracks in these areas could adversely affect the structural integrity of these airplanes. * * * * * The corrective action is revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) to incorporate new structural inspection requirements. Compliance (f) You are responsible for having the actions required by this AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the actions have already been done. Actions (g) Unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the ALS of the ICA to incorporate the inspection tasks identified in the EMBRAER temporary revisions (TRs) to Appendix A—Part 2 of the EMBRAER 170 Maintenance Review Board Report MRB– 1621, listed in Table 1 of this AD. The initial compliance times for the tasks start from the applicable threshold times specified in the TRs for the corresponding tasks of the maintenance review board report or within 500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later. For certain E:\FR\FM\01JNR1.SGM 01JNR1 30286 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 104 / Tuesday, June 1, 2010 / Rules and Regulations tasks, the compliance times depend on the pre-modification and post-modification status of the actions specified in the associated service bulletin, as specified in the ‘‘Applicability’’ column of the applicable TRs identified in Table 1 of this AD. The threshold values stated in the TRs referenced in Table 1 of this AD are total flight cycles on the airplane since the date of issuance of the original Brazilian airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance of the original Brazilian export certificate of airworthiness. TABLE 1—INSPECTION TASKS TR Date Subject TR 4–1 ............ October 15, 2007 ...................................... Ram air turbine compartment, support structure and cutout structure—internal. Nose landing gear wheel well metallic structure ................... TR 4–3 ............ December 6, 2007 ..................................... TR 4–4 ............ January 18, 2008 ...................................... Wing stub spar 3 side fitting—internal ................................... Wing upper skin panels—external ......................................... Fixed trailing edge lower skin panel—external ...................... Fixed trailing edge rib 4A—external ....................................... Fixed trailing edge rib 6—internal .......................................... Wing stub main box lower—internal ...................................... (2) After accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, no alternative inspections or inspection intervals may be used unless the inspection or inspection interval is approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, or the ˆ Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil (ANAC) ¸˜ (or its delegated agent); or unless the inspection or interval is approved as an alternative method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. FAA AD Differences Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Kenny Kaulia, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–2848; fax (425) 227–1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, 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 and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120–0056. Related Information (i) Refer to MCAI Brazilian Airworthiness Directive 2009–04–01, dated April 29, 2009; and the TRs to Appendix A—Part 2 of the EMBRAER 170 Maintenance Review Board Report MRB–1621, identified in Table 2 of this AD; for related information. TABLE 2—TEMPORARY REVISIONS EMBRAER temporary revisions TR 4–1 ...................... TR 4–3 ...................... TR 4–4 ...................... Date October 15, 2007. December 6, 2007. January 18, 2008. Task No. 53–10–012–0002 53–10–012–0003 53–10–021–0005 53–10–021–0006 57–01–012–001 57–10–010–0002 57–50–002–0002 57–50–005–0003 57–50–005–0004 57–01–002–003 Material Incorporated by Reference (j) You must use the service information contained in Table 3 of this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), Technical Publications Section (PC 060), Av. Brigadeiro ˜ Faria Lima, 2170—Putim—12227–901 Sao Jose dos Campos—SP—BRASIL; telephone: +55 12 3927–5852 or +55 12 3309–0732; fax: +55 12 3927–7546; e-mail: distrib@embraer.com.br; Internet: https:// www.flyembraer.com. (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington. For information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221. (4) You may also review copies of the service information that is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202–741–6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/ code_of_federal_regulations/ ibr_locations.html. TABLE 3—MATERIAL INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE Dated— To— 4–1 ............................ srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with RULES EMBRAER temporary revision— October 15, 2007 ................................................. 4–3 ............................ December 6, 2007 ............................................... 4–4 ............................ January 18, 2008 ................................................. Appendix A—Part 2 of the EMBRAER 170 Maintenance Review Board Report MRB–1621. Appendix A—Part 2 of the EMBRAER 170 Maintenance Review Board Report MRB–1621. Appendix A—Part 2 of the EMBRAER 170 Maintenance Review Board Report MRB–1621. VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:55 May 28, 2010 Jkt 220001 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 E:\FR\FM\01JNR1.SGM 01JNR1 Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 104 / Tuesday, June 1, 2010 / Rules and Regulations Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 14, 2010. Ali Bahrami, Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2010–12671 Filed 5–28–10; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 14 CFR Part 39 [Docket No. FAA–2009–0132; Directorate Identifier 2008–NM–081–AD; Amendment 39–16306; AD 2010–11–01] RIN 2120–AA64 Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB–135BJ, –135ER, –135KE, –135KL, –135LR, –145, –145ER, –145MR, –145LR, –145XR, –145MP, and –145EP Airplanes AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as: srobinson on DSKHWCL6B1PROD with RULES During aircraft full scale fatigue test, it has been found the occurrence of cracks in the cockpit windshield post lower eyelet fitting at the attachment of the center post on the forward fuselage (SSI 53–10–19). Further analysis of this cracking resulted in modifications on the aircraft Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI), to include new inspection tasks and its respective intervals. Undetected fatigue cracking in this area could adversely affect the structural integrity of these airplanes. We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe condition on these products. DATES: This AD becomes effective July 6, 2010. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 6, 2010. ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https:// www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M–30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, VerDate Mar<15>2010 16:55 May 28, 2010 Jkt 220001 Comments 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM–116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057–3356; telephone (425) 227–1175; fax (425) 227–1149. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Discussion We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on February 18, 2009 (74 FR 7570). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the specified products. The MCAI states: Federal Aviation Administration During aircraft full scale fatigue test, it has been found the occurrence of cracks in the cockpit windshield post lower eyelet fitting at the attachment of the center post on the forward fuselage (SSI 53–10–19). Further analysis of this cracking resulted in modifications on the aircraft Airworthiness Limitation Items (ALI), to include new inspection tasks and its respective intervals. Undetected fatigue cracking in this area could adversely affect the structural integrity of these airplanes. The corrective action is revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new structural inspection requirements. You may obtain further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket. Explanation of Revised Service Information Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) has issued Revision 12, dated September 19, 2008, of Appendix 2, ‘‘Airworthiness Limitation Requirements,’’ of EMBRAER EMB135/ EMB145 Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR) MRB–145/1150. In the NPRM we referred to EMBRAER EMB135/EMB145 MRBR MRB–145/ 1150, Revision 11, dated September 19, 2007, as an appropriate source of service information. We have revised paragraph Table 1 of this AD to refer to Appendix 2, ‘‘Airworthiness Limitation Requirements,’’ of EMBRAER EMB135/ EMB145 MRBR MRB–145/1150, Revision 12, dated September 19, 2008. We have also added a new paragraph (f)(3) to this AD to specify that actions done before the effective date of this AD in accordance with EMBRAER EMB135/ EMB145 MRBR MRB–145/1150, Revision 11, dated September 19, 2007, are acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of this AD. PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4700 Sfmt 4700 30287 We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing this AD. We considered the comments received. Request To Extend Grace Period EMBRAER requests that we consider extending the grace period for doing the tasks required by paragraph (f) of the NPRM from 200 flight cycles after revising the ALS to 500 flight cycles after revising the ALS. EMBRAER explains that the extension of the grace period would allow operators to better program their maintenance schedules, thereby avoiding grounding airplanes without affecting flight safety. We disagree with the request to extend the grace period to 500 flight cycles after revising the ALS. The commenter did not provide any technical information to substantiate the assertion that the extension would not adversely affect flight safety. However, under the provisions of paragraph (g)(1) of this AD, we will consider requests for adjustments to the grace period if data are submitted to substantiate that such an adjustment would provide an acceptable level of safety. We have not changed the AD in this regard. Request To Allow Later Revisions of Service Information EMBRAER recommends that we accept later revisions of Appendix 2, ‘‘Airworthiness Limitation Requirements,’’ of EMBRAER EMB135/ EMB145 Maintenance Review Board Report (MRBR) MRB–145/1150, Revision 11, dated September 19, 2007. EMBRAER points out that AD 2008–13– 14, Amendment 39–15577 (73 FR 35904, June 25, 2008), accepts later revisions of the MRBR included in that AD. We disagree with adding a general statement to the AD that accepts any later revision of EMBRAER MRBR MRB–145/1150, Revision 11, dated September 19, 2007, that we have not reviewed and approved. We note that we approved use of later revisions of the MRBR referenced in AD 2008–13–14 only if approved by the Manager, ANM– ˆ 116, FAA, or Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil (or its delegated agent). ¸˜ We cannot use the phrase, ‘‘or later FAA-approved revisions,’’ in an AD when referring to the service document because doing so violates Office of the Federal Register (OFR) regulations for approval of materials ‘‘incorporated by reference’’ in rules. To allow operators to use later revisions of the referenced document (issued after publication of the AD), either we must revise the AD to reference specific later revisions, or E:\FR\FM\01JNR1.SGM 01JNR1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 1, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 30284-30287]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-12671]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2010-0176; Directorate Identifier 2009-NM-201-AD; 
Amendment 39-16318; AD 2010-11-13]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. 
(EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Final rule.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This AD results from mandatory continuing 
airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority of 
another country to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an 
aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe condition as:

    During ERJ 170 airplane full scale fatigue test, cracks were 
found in some structural components of the airplane. Analysis of 
these cracks resulted in modifications on the airplane Airworthiness 
Limitation Items (ALI), to include new inspections tasks or 
modification of existing ones and its respective thresholds and 
intervals.
    Failure to inspect these components according to the new tasks, 
thresholds and intervals, could prevent a timely detection of 
fatigue cracks. Undetected fatigue cracks in these areas could 
adversely affect the structural integrity of these airplanes.
* * * * *

We are issuing this AD to require actions to correct the unsafe 
condition on these products.

DATES: This AD becomes effective July 6, 2010.
    The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by 
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 6, 2010.

ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov or in person at the U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Kenny Kaulia, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-2848; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Discussion

    We issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR 
part 39 to include an AD that would apply to the specified products. 
That NPRM was published in the Federal Register on March 4, 2010 (75 FR 
9811). That NPRM proposed to correct an unsafe condition for the 
specified products. The MCAI states:

    During ERJ 170 airplane full scale fatigue test, cracks were 
found in some structural components of the airplane. Analysis of 
these cracks resulted in modifications on the airplane Airworthiness 
Limitation Items (ALI), to include new inspections tasks or 
modification of existing ones and its respective thresholds and 
intervals.
    Failure to inspect these components according to the new tasks, 
thresholds and intervals, could prevent a timely detection of 
fatigue cracks. Undetected fatigue cracks in these areas could 
adversely affect the structural integrity of these airplanes.
* * * * *

The corrective action is revising the Airworthiness Limitations section 
of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness to incorporate new 
structural inspection requirements. You may obtain further information 
by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Comments

    We gave the public the opportunity to participate in developing 
this AD. We received no comments on the NPRM or

[[Page 30285]]

on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

    We reviewed the available data and determined that air safety and 
the public interest require adopting the AD as proposed.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have required different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow our FAA policies. Any such differences 
are highlighted in a Note within the AD.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this AD will affect 166 products of U.S. registry. 
We also estimate that it will take about 1 work-hour per product to 
comply with the basic requirements of this AD. The average labor rate 
is $85 per work-hour. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of 
this AD to the U.S. operators to be $14,110, or $85 per product.

Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. ``Subtitle VII: Aviation 
Programs,'' describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's 
authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
``Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this AD will not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct 
effect on the States, on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this AD:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this AD and placed it in the AD docket.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains the NPRM, the regulatory evaluation, 
any comments received, and other information. The street address for 
the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is in the 
ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly 
after receipt.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

Adoption of the Amendment

0
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, 
the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.

Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

0
2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

2010-11-13 Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER): 
Amendment 39-16318. Docket No. FAA-2010-0176; Directorate Identifier 
2009-NM-201-AD.

Effective Date

    (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective July 6, 
2010.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica 
S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170-100 LR, -100 STD, -100 SE, -100 SU, -
200 LR, -200 STD, and -200 SU airplanes; certificated in any 
category.

    Note 1: This AD requires revisions to certain operator 
maintenance documents to include new inspections. Compliance with 
these inspections is required by 14 CFR 91.403(c). For airplanes 
that have been previously modified, altered, or repaired in the 
areas addressed by these inspections, the operator may not be able 
to accomplish the inspections described in the revisions. In this 
situation, to comply with 14 CFR 91.403(c), the operator must 
request approval for an alternative method of compliance according 
to paragraph (h)(1) of this AD. The request should include a 
description of changes to the required inspections that will ensure 
the continued operational safety of the airplane. The FAA has 
provided guidance for this determination in Advisory Circular (AC) 
25-1529-1A.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 53: 
Fuselage; 57: Wings.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    During ERJ 170 airplane full scale fatigue test, cracks were 
found in some structural components of the airplane. Analysis of 
these cracks resulted in modifications on the airplane Airworthiness 
Limitation Items (ALI), to include new inspections tasks or 
modification of existing ones and its respective thresholds and 
intervals.
    Failure to inspect these components according to the new tasks, 
thresholds and intervals, could prevent a timely detection of 
fatigue cracks. Undetected fatigue cracks in these areas could 
adversely affect the structural integrity of these airplanes.
* * * * *
The corrective action is revising the Airworthiness Limitations 
Section (ALS) of the Instructions for Continued Airworthiness (ICA) 
to incorporate new structural inspection requirements.

Compliance

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

Actions

    (g) Unless already done, do the following actions.
    (1) Within 90 days after the effective date of this AD, revise 
the ALS of the ICA to incorporate the inspection tasks identified in 
the EMBRAER temporary revisions (TRs) to Appendix A--Part 2 of the 
EMBRAER 170 Maintenance Review Board Report MRB-1621, listed in 
Table 1 of this AD. The initial compliance times for the tasks start 
from the applicable threshold times specified in the TRs for the 
corresponding tasks of the maintenance review board report or within 
500 flight cycles after the effective date of this AD, whichever 
occurs later. For certain

[[Page 30286]]

tasks, the compliance times depend on the pre-modification and post-
modification status of the actions specified in the associated 
service bulletin, as specified in the ``Applicability'' column of 
the applicable TRs identified in Table 1 of this AD. The threshold 
values stated in the TRs referenced in Table 1 of this AD are total 
flight cycles on the airplane since the date of issuance of the 
original Brazilian airworthiness certificate or the date of issuance 
of the original Brazilian export certificate of airworthiness.

                                            Table 1--Inspection Tasks
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                  TR                             Date                      Subject                 Task No.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TR 4-1...............................  October 15, 2007.......  Ram air turbine compartment,      53-10-012-0002
                                                                 support structure and            53-10-012-0003
                                                                 cutout structure--internal.
                                                                Nose landing gear wheel well      53-10-021-0005
                                                                 metallic structure.              53-10-021-0006
TR 4-3...............................  December 6, 2007.......  Wing stub spar 3 side              57-01-012-001
                                                                 fitting--internal.
                                                                Wing upper skin panels--          57-10-010-0002
                                                                 external.
                                                                Fixed trailing edge lower         57-50-002-0002
                                                                 skin panel--external.
                                                                Fixed trailing edge rib 4A--      57-50-005-0003
                                                                 external.
                                                                Fixed trailing edge rib 6--       57-50-005-0004
                                                                 internal.
TR 4-4...............................  January 18, 2008.......  Wing stub main box lower--         57-01-002-003
                                                                 internal.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    (2) After accomplishing the actions specified in paragraph 
(g)(1) of this AD, no alternative inspections or inspection 
intervals may be used unless the inspection or inspection interval 
is approved by the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, or the Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de 
Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) (or its delegated agent); or 
unless the inspection or interval is approved as an alternative 
method of compliance (AMOC) in accordance with the procedures 
specified in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD.

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (h) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: 
Kenny Kaulia, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2848; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your principal maintenance inspector (PMI) or 
principal avionics inspector (PAI), as appropriate, or lacking a 
principal inspector, your local Flight Standards District Office. 
The AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.
    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, 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 and has assigned 
OMB Control Number 2120-0056.

Related Information

    (i) Refer to MCAI Brazilian Airworthiness Directive 2009-04-01, 
dated April 29, 2009; and the TRs to Appendix A--Part 2 of the 
EMBRAER 170 Maintenance Review Board Report MRB-1621, identified in 
Table 2 of this AD; for related information.

                      Table 2--Temporary Revisions
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     EMBRAER temporary revisions                     Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TR 4-1..............................  October 15, 2007.
TR 4-3..............................  December 6, 2007.
TR 4-4..............................  January 18, 2008.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Material Incorporated by Reference

    (j) You must use the service information contained in Table 3 of 
this AD to do the actions required by this AD, unless the AD 
specifies otherwise.
    (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the 
incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 
U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), Technical 
Publications Section (PC 060), Av. Brigadeiro Faria Lima, 2170--
Putim--12227-901 S[atilde]o Jose dos Campos--SP--BRASIL; telephone: 
+55 12 3927-5852 or +55 12 3309-0732; fax: +55 12 3927-7546; e-mail: 
distrib@embraer.com.br; Internet: https://www.flyembraer.com.
    (3) You may review copies of the service information at the FAA, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington. For information on the availability of this material at 
the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
    (4) You may also review copies of the service information that 
is incorporated by reference at the National Archives and Records 
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this 
material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: https://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

               Table 3--Material Incorporated By Reference
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 EMBRAER temporary revision--        Dated--                To--
------------------------------------------------------------------------
4-1...........................  October 15, 2007.  Appendix A--Part 2 of
                                                    the EMBRAER 170
                                                    Maintenance Review
                                                    Board Report MRB-
                                                    1621.
4-3...........................  December 6, 2007.  Appendix A--Part 2 of
                                                    the EMBRAER 170
                                                    Maintenance Review
                                                    Board Report MRB-
                                                    1621.
4-4...........................  January 18, 2008.  Appendix A--Part 2 of
                                                    the EMBRAER 170
                                                    Maintenance Review
                                                    Board Report MRB-
                                                    1621.
------------------------------------------------------------------------



[[Page 30287]]

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on May 14, 2010.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2010-12671 Filed 5-28-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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