Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Airplanes, 59528-59530 [2016-20684]
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59528
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 168 / Tuesday, August 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules
Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on August 19,
2016.
Scott A. Horn,
Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–20672 Filed 8–29–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9049; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–039–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Empresa
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(Embraer) Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for certain
Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(Embraer) Empresa Brasileira de
Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Model
EMB–135BJ, –135ER, –135KE, –135KL,
and –135LR airplanes; and Model EMB–
145, –145ER, –145MR, –145LR, –145XR,
–145MP, and –145EP airplanes. This
proposed AD was prompted by reports
of main airspeed indication
discrepancies during flight; these
discrepancies resulted from ice
blockages in certain pitot total pressure
lines. This proposed AD would require
an inspection for tube misalignment of
the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2
tube assembly lines, and corrective
actions if necessary; installation or
replacement (as applicable) of a tube
ribbon heater on the pitot number 1 and
pitot number 2 tube assembly lines; and
revision of the airplane flight manual
(AFM) to provide certain procedures
and airspeed tables for the flightcrew.
We are proposing this AD to detect and
correct water accumulating and freezing
in the pitot number 1 and pitot number
2 total pressure lines, which could
result in erroneous main airspeed
indications and consequent reduced
ability of the flightcrew to maintain safe
flight and landing of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 14, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following
methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
instructions for submitting comments.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:56 Aug 29, 2016
Jkt 238001
• Fax: 202–493–2251.
• Mail: U.S. Department of
Transportation, Docket Operations, M–
30, West Building Ground Floor, Room
W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC 20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail
address above between 9 a.m. and 5
p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
For service information identified in
this NPRM, 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; email distrib@
embraer.com.br; Internet https://
www.flyembraer.com. You may view
this referenced service information at
the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW.,
Renton, WA. For information on the
availability of this material at the FAA,
call 425–227–1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on
the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9049; or in person at the Docket
Management Facility between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA
98057–3356; telephone 425–227–1175;
fax 425–227–1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written
relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposed AD. Send your comments
to an address listed under the
ADDRESSES section. Include ‘‘Docket No.
FAA–2016–9049; Directorate Identifier
2016–NM–039–AD’’ at the beginning of
your comments. We specifically invite
comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy
aspects of this proposed AD. We will
consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this
proposed AD based on those comments.
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Fmt 4702
Sfmt 4702
We will post all comments we
receive, without change, to https://
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact we receive
about this proposed AD.
Discussion
ˆ
Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil
¸˜
(ANAC), which is the aviation authority
for Brazil, has issued Brazilian
Airworthiness Directive 2016–03–01,
effective March 11, 2016 (referred to
after this as the Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information, or ‘‘the
MCAI’’), to correct an unsafe condition
for certain Empresa Brasileira de
Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Model
EMB–135 airplanes, and Model EMB–
145, –145ER, –145MR, –145LR, –145XR,
–145MP, and –145EP airplanes. The
MCAI states:
This [Brazilian] AD results from reports of
main airspeed indication discrepancies
during flight. The investigation has revealed
that Pitot #1 and #2 total pressure line
blockage may occur due to water
accumulation and freezing during heavy rain
conditions. We are issuing this [Brazilian]
AD to prevent water accumulation and
freezing in the Pitot #1 and Pitot #2 total
pressure lines, which could result in
erroneous main airspeed indications and
reduce the ability of the flight crew to
maintain the safe flight and landing of the
airplane.
Since this condition may occur in other
airplanes of the same type and affects flight
safety, a corrective action is required. Thus,
sufficient reason exists to request compliance
with this [Brazilian] AD . . . .
The required actions include a general
visual inspection for tube misalignment
of pitot number 1 and pitot number 2
tube assembly lines. Corrective actions
include replacement of affected pitot
tubes with new pitot tubes. The
required actions also include
installation, or, for certain airplanes,
replacement, of a tube ribbon heater on
the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2
tube assembly lines, and revision of the
AFM to provide certain procedures and
airspeed tables for the flightcrew. You
may examine the MCAI in the AD
docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for
and locating Docket No. FAA–2016–
9049.
Related Service Information Under 1
CFR Part 51
Embraer has issued the following
service information.
• Embraer Service Bulletin 145–30–
0056, Revision 01, dated March 31,
2014; and Embraer Service Bulletin
145LEG–30–0021, dated March 31,
2014. This service information describes
E:\FR\FM\30AUP1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 168 / Tuesday, August 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules
individuals. We do not control warranty
coverage for affected individuals. As a
result, we have included all available
costs in our cost estimate.
FAA’s Determination and Requirements
of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by
the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation
in the United States. Pursuant to our
bilateral agreement with the State of
Design Authority, we have been notified
of the unsafe condition described in the
MCAI and service information
referenced above. We are proposing this
AD because we evaluated all pertinent
information and determined an unsafe
condition exists and is likely to exist or
develop on other products of these same
type designs.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS
procedures to inspect the pitot pressure
tubes for misalignment, install new
heaters, and perform repairs.
• Embraer Temporary Revision (TR)
19.1, dated April 22, 2014, to Volume 1
of the Embraer EMB–145 Aircraft
Operations Manual (AOM) AOM–
2014135/1542. This service information
contains, among other things, the
‘‘Unreliable Airspeed Procedure’’ in the
Emergency/Abnormal Procedures
section and the ‘‘Unreliable Airspeed
Tables’’ (corresponding to the airplane
configuration) in the Performance
section.
• Embraer TR 40.2, dated April 4,
2014, to Volume 1, of the Embraer
EMB–145 AOM AOM–145/1114. This
service information contains, among
other things, the ‘‘Unreliable Airspeed
Procedure’’ in the Emergency/Abnormal
Procedures section and the ‘‘Unreliable
Airspeed Tables’’ (corresponding to the
airplane configuration) in the
Performance section.
This service information is reasonably
available because the interested parties
have access to it through their normal
course of business or by the means
identified in the ADDRESSES section.
Regulatory Findings
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD
affects 668 airplanes of U.S. registry.
We also estimate that it would take up
to 5 work-hours per product to comply
with the basic requirements of this
proposed AD. The average labor rate is
$85 per work-hour. Required parts
would cost about $3,254 per product.
Based on these figures, we estimate the
cost of this proposed AD on U.S.
operators to be up to $2,457,572, or up
to $3,679 per product.
We have received no definitive data
that would enable us to provide cost
estimates for the on-condition actions
specified in this proposed AD.
According to the manufacturer, some
of the costs of this proposed AD may be
covered under warranty, thereby
reducing the cost impact on affected
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:56 Aug 29, 2016
Jkt 238001
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.
We determined that this proposed AD
would not have federalism implications
under Executive Order 13132. This
proposed AD would 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 proposed regulation:
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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in
Alaska; and
4. 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation
safety, Incorporation by reference,
Safety.
59529
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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
■
Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(Embraer): Docket No. FAA–2016–9049;
Directorate Identifier 2016–NM–039–AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 14,
2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Empresa Brasileira
de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) airplanes,
certificated in any category, identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD.
(1) Model EMB–135ER, EMB–135KE,
EMB–135KL, EMB–135LR, EMB–145, EMB–
145EP, EMB–145ER, EMB–145LR, EMB–
145MP, EMB–145MR, and EMB–145XR
airplanes, as identified in Embraer Service
Bulletin 145–30–0056, Revision 01, dated
March 31, 2014.
(2) Model EMB–135BJ airplanes, as
identified in Embraer Service Bulletin
145LEG–30–0021, dated March 31, 2014.
(3) Model EMB–135ER, EMB–135KE,
EMB–135KL, EMB–135LR, EMB–145, EMB–
145EP, EMB–145ER, EMB–145LR, EMB–
145MR, EMB–145MP, and EMB–145XR
airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers
(MSNs) 14501153 and subsequent.
(4) Model EMB–135BJ airplanes, MSNs
14501190 through 14501197 inclusive,
14501199 through 14501210 inclusive,
14501212 through 14501227 inclusive, and
14501229 through 14501249 inclusive and
subsequent.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of
America Code 30, Ice and rain protection.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of main
airspeed indication discrepancies during
flight; these discrepancies resulted from ice
blockages in certain pitot total pressure lines.
We are issuing this AD to detect and correct
water accumulating and freezing in the pitot
number 1 and pitot number 2 total pressure
lines, which could result in erroneous main
airspeed indications and consequent reduced
ability of the flightcrew to maintain safe
flight and landing of the airplane.
The Proposed Amendment
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the
compliance times specified, unless already
done.
Accordingly, under the authority
delegated to me by the Administrator,
the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part
39 as follows:
(g) Inspection, Corrective Action, and
Installation
(1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in
Embraer Service Bulletin 145–30–0056,
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30AUP1
59530
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 168 / Tuesday, August 30, 2016 / Proposed Rules
Revision 01, dated March 31, 2014: Within
6,600 flight hours after the effective date of
this AD, do a general visual inspection for
tube misalignment on the pitot number 1 and
pitot number 2 tube assemblies; do all
applicable corrective actions; and install a
new tube ribbon heater on the pitot number
1 and pitot number 2 tube assemblies; in
accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Embraer Service Bulletin 145–
30–0056, Revision 01, dated March 31, 2014.
Do all applicable corrective actions before
further flight.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in
Embraer Service Bulletin 145LEG–30–0021,
dated March 31, 2014: Within 5,000 flight
hours or 48 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first, do a general
visual inspection for tube misalignment on
the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube
assemblies; do all applicable corrective
actions; and install a new tube ribbon heater
on the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2
tube assemblies; in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Embraer
Service Bulletin 145LEG–30–0021, dated
March 31, 2014. Do all applicable corrective
actions before further flight.
mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with PROPOSALS
(h) Inspection, Corrective Action, and
Replacement
(1) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in
Embraer Service Bulletin 145–30–0056,
Revision 01, dated March 31, 2014: Within
6,600 flight hours after the effective date of
this AD, do a general visual inspection for
tube misalignment on the pitot number 1 and
pitot number 2 tube assemblies; do all
applicable corrective actions; and replace the
tube ribbon heater with a new tube ribbon
heater on the pitot number 1 and pitot
number 2 tube assemblies; in accordance
with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Embraer Service Bulletin 145–30–0056,
Revision 01, dated March 31, 2014. Do all
applicable corrective actions before further
flight.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in
Embraer Service Bulletin 145LEG–30–0021,
dated March 31, 2014: Within 5,000 flight
hours or 48 months after the effective date of
this AD, whichever occurs first, do a general
visual inspection for tube misalignment on
the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube
assemblies; do all applicable corrective
actions; and replace the tube ribbon heater
with a new tube ribbon heater on the pitot
number 1 and pitot number 2 tube
assemblies; in accordance with the
Accomplishment Instructions of Embraer
Service Bulletin 145LEG–30–0021, dated
March 31, 2014. Do all applicable corrective
actions before further flight.
(i) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
(1) For airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(1) and (c)(3) of this AD: Within 60 days
after the effective date of this AD, revise the
AFM to include the information in the
‘‘Unreliable Airspeed Procedure’’ in the
Emergency/Abnormal Procedures section and
the ‘‘Unreliable Airspeed Tables’’
(corresponding to the airplane configuration)
in the Performance section, as specified in
Embraer Temporary Revision (TR) 40.2,
dated April 4, 2014, to Volume 1, of the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:56 Aug 29, 2016
Jkt 238001
Embraer EMB–145 Aircraft Operations
Manual (AOM) AOM–145/1114 (‘‘Embraer
TR 40.2’’).
(2) For airplanes identified in paragraphs
(c)(2) and (c)(4) of this AD: Within 60 days
after the effective date of this AD, revise the
AFM to include the information in the
‘‘Unreliable Airspeed Procedure’’ in the
Emergency/Abnormal Procedures section and
the ‘‘Unreliable Airspeed Tables’’
(corresponding to the airplane configuration)
in the Performance section, as specified in
Embraer TR 19.1, dated April 22, 2014, to
Volume 1 of the Embraer EMB–145 AOM
AOM–2014135/1542 (‘‘Embraer TR 19.1’’).
(j) AFM Revision Method of Compliance
The AFM revisions required by paragraphs
(i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD may be done by
inserting Embraer AOM TR 40.2 or Embraer
AOM TR 19.1, as applicable, into the AFM.
When the applicable Embraer AOM TR has
been included in general revisions of the
AFM, the general revisions may be inserted
in the AFM, provided the relevant
information in the general revision is
identical to that in Embraer AOM TR 40.2 or
Embraer AOM TR 19.1, as applicable, and the
applicable Embraer AOM TR may be
removed from the AFM.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the
actions required by paragraphs (g)(1) and
(h)(1) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD
using Embraer Service Bulletin 145–30–0056,
dated December 19, 2013.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
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.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your
request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as
appropriate. If sending information directly
to the International Branch, send it to ATTN:
Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM–116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind
Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057–3356;
telephone 425–227–1175; fax 425–227–1149.
Information may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using
any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal
inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding
district office. The AMOC approval letter
must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any
requirement in this AD to obtain corrective
actions from a manufacturer, the action must
be accomplished using a method approved
by the Manager, International Branch, ANM–
116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA; or
ˆ
the Agencia Nacional de Aviacao Civil
¸˜
(ANAC); or ANAC’s authorized Designee. If
approved by the ANAC Designee, the
approval must include the Designee’s
authorized signature.
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(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing
Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Brazilian
Airworthiness Directive 2016–03–01,
effective March 11, 2016, for related
information. This MCAI may be found in the
AD docket on the Internet at https://
www.regulations.gov by searching for and
locating Docket No. FAA–2016–9049.
(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; email distrib@embraer.com.br;
Internet https://www.flyembraer.com. You
may view this service information at the
FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For
information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call 425–227–1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August
18, 2016.
Dorr M. Anderson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane
Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2016–20684 Filed 8–29–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–13–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA–2016–9051; Directorate
Identifier 2016–NM–035–AD]
RIN 2120–AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus
Airplanes
Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM).
AGENCY:
We propose to adopt a new
airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Model A300 B4–603, B4–620,
and B4–622 airplanes; Model A300 B4–
605R and A300 B4–622R airplanes; and
Model A300 C4–605R Variant F
airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by an in-service detection of
cracks in the fuselage skin lap joints.
This proposed AD would require an
ultrasonic inspection of certain skin lap
joints, and repair if necessary. We are
proposing this AD to detect and correct
cracks in certain skin lap joints. Such
cracking could result in reduced
structural integrity of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on
this proposed AD by October 14, 2016.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments,
using the procedures found in 14 CFR
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\30AUP1.SGM
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 168 (Tuesday, August 30, 2016)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59528-59530]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-20684]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2016-9049; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-039-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(Embraer) Airplanes
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Empresa
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Model EMB-135BJ, -135ER, -
135KE, -135KL, and -135LR airplanes; and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR,
-145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes. This proposed AD was
prompted by reports of main airspeed indication discrepancies during
flight; these discrepancies resulted from ice blockages in certain
pitot total pressure lines. This proposed AD would require an
inspection for tube misalignment of the pitot number 1 and pitot number
2 tube assembly lines, and corrective actions if necessary;
installation or replacement (as applicable) of a tube ribbon heater on
the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assembly lines; and revision
of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide certain procedures and
airspeed tables for the flightcrew. We are proposing this AD to detect
and correct water accumulating and freezing in the pitot number 1 and
pitot number 2 total pressure lines, which could result in erroneous
main airspeed indications and consequent reduced ability of the
flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane.
DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by October 14,
2016.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 202-493-2251.
Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
For service information identified in this NPRM, 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; email distrib@embraer.com.br;
Internet https://www.flyembraer.com. You may view this referenced
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Examining the AD Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-
9049; or in person at the Docket Management Facility between 9 a.m. and
5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket
contains this proposed AD, 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA,
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1175;
fax 425-227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2016-9049;
Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-039-AD'' at the beginning of your
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory,
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this proposed AD based on those comments.
We will post all comments we receive, without change, to https://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we
receive about this proposed AD.
Discussion
Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC), which
is the aviation authority for Brazil, has issued Brazilian
Airworthiness Directive 2016-03-01, effective March 11, 2016 (referred
to after this as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or
``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe condition for certain Empresa
Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Model EMB-135 airplanes, and
Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP
airplanes. The MCAI states:
This [Brazilian] AD results from reports of main airspeed
indication discrepancies during flight. The investigation has
revealed that Pitot #1 and #2 total pressure line blockage may occur
due to water accumulation and freezing during heavy rain conditions.
We are issuing this [Brazilian] AD to prevent water accumulation and
freezing in the Pitot #1 and Pitot #2 total pressure lines, which
could result in erroneous main airspeed indications and reduce the
ability of the flight crew to maintain the safe flight and landing
of the airplane.
Since this condition may occur in other airplanes of the same
type and affects flight safety, a corrective action is required.
Thus, sufficient reason exists to request compliance with this
[Brazilian] AD . . . .
The required actions include a general visual inspection for tube
misalignment of pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assembly lines.
Corrective actions include replacement of affected pitot tubes with new
pitot tubes. The required actions also include installation, or, for
certain airplanes, replacement, of a tube ribbon heater on the pitot
number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assembly lines, and revision of the
AFM to provide certain procedures and airspeed tables for the
flightcrew. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket on the Internet
at https://www.regulations.gov by searching for and locating Docket No.
FAA-2016-9049.
Related Service Information Under 1 CFR Part 51
Embraer has issued the following service information.
Embraer Service Bulletin 145-30-0056, Revision 01, dated
March 31, 2014; and Embraer Service Bulletin 145LEG-30-0021, dated
March 31, 2014. This service information describes
[[Page 59529]]
procedures to inspect the pitot pressure tubes for misalignment,
install new heaters, and perform repairs.
Embraer Temporary Revision (TR) 19.1, dated April 22,
2014, to Volume 1 of the Embraer EMB-145 Aircraft Operations Manual
(AOM) AOM-2014135/1542. This service information contains, among other
things, the ``Unreliable Airspeed Procedure'' in the Emergency/Abnormal
Procedures section and the ``Unreliable Airspeed Tables''
(corresponding to the airplane configuration) in the Performance
section.
Embraer TR 40.2, dated April 4, 2014, to Volume 1, of the
Embraer EMB-145 AOM AOM-145/1114. This service information contains,
among other things, the ``Unreliable Airspeed Procedure'' in the
Emergency/Abnormal Procedures section and the ``Unreliable Airspeed
Tables'' (corresponding to the airplane configuration) in the
Performance section.
This service information is reasonably available because the
interested parties have access to it through their normal course of
business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD
This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of these
same type designs.
Costs of Compliance
We estimate that this proposed AD affects 668 airplanes of U.S.
registry.
We also estimate that it would take up to 5 work-hours per product
to comply with the basic requirements of this proposed AD. The average
labor rate is $85 per work-hour. Required parts would cost about $3,254
per product. Based on these figures, we estimate the cost of this
proposed AD on U.S. operators to be up to $2,457,572, or up to $3,679
per product.
We have received no definitive data that would enable us to provide
cost estimates for the on-condition actions specified in this proposed
AD.
According to the manufacturer, some of the costs of this proposed
AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on
affected individuals. We do not control warranty coverage for affected
individuals. As a result, we have included all available costs in our
cost estimate.
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 proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would 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 proposed
regulation:
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);
3. Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska; and
4. 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.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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 airworthiness
directive (AD):
Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer): Docket No. FAA-
2016-9049; Directorate Identifier 2016-NM-039-AD.
(a) Comments Due Date
We must receive comments by October 14, 2016.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to the Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.
(Embraer) airplanes, certificated in any category, identified in
paragraphs (c)(1) through (c)(4) of this AD.
(1) Model EMB-135ER, EMB-135KE, EMB-135KL, EMB-135LR, EMB-145,
EMB-145EP, EMB-145ER, EMB-145LR, EMB-145MP, EMB-145MR, and EMB-145XR
airplanes, as identified in Embraer Service Bulletin 145-30-0056,
Revision 01, dated March 31, 2014.
(2) Model EMB-135BJ airplanes, as identified in Embraer Service
Bulletin 145LEG-30-0021, dated March 31, 2014.
(3) Model EMB-135ER, EMB-135KE, EMB-135KL, EMB-135LR, EMB-145,
EMB-145EP, EMB-145ER, EMB-145LR, EMB-145MR, EMB-145MP, and EMB-145XR
airplanes, manufacturer serial numbers (MSNs) 14501153 and
subsequent.
(4) Model EMB-135BJ airplanes, MSNs 14501190 through 14501197
inclusive, 14501199 through 14501210 inclusive, 14501212 through
14501227 inclusive, and 14501229 through 14501249 inclusive and
subsequent.
(d) Subject
Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30, Ice and rain
protection.
(e) Reason
This AD was prompted by reports of main airspeed indication
discrepancies during flight; these discrepancies resulted from ice
blockages in certain pitot total pressure lines. We are issuing this
AD to detect and correct water accumulating and freezing in the
pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 total pressure lines, which could
result in erroneous main airspeed indications and consequent reduced
ability of the flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the
airplane.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Inspection, Corrective Action, and Installation
(1) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Embraer Service
Bulletin 145-30-0056,
[[Page 59530]]
Revision 01, dated March 31, 2014: Within 6,600 flight hours after
the effective date of this AD, do a general visual inspection for
tube misalignment on the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube
assemblies; do all applicable corrective actions; and install a new
tube ribbon heater on the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube
assemblies; in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of
Embraer Service Bulletin 145-30-0056, Revision 01, dated March 31,
2014. Do all applicable corrective actions before further flight.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 1 in Embraer Service
Bulletin 145LEG-30-0021, dated March 31, 2014: Within 5,000 flight
hours or 48 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, do a general visual inspection for tube misalignment
on the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assemblies; do all
applicable corrective actions; and install a new tube ribbon heater
on the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assemblies; in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Embraer Service
Bulletin 145LEG-30-0021, dated March 31, 2014. Do all applicable
corrective actions before further flight.
(h) Inspection, Corrective Action, and Replacement
(1) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in Embraer Service
Bulletin 145-30-0056, Revision 01, dated March 31, 2014: Within
6,600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, do a general
visual inspection for tube misalignment on the pitot number 1 and
pitot number 2 tube assemblies; do all applicable corrective
actions; and replace the tube ribbon heater with a new tube ribbon
heater on the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assemblies; in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Embraer Service
Bulletin 145-30-0056, Revision 01, dated March 31, 2014. Do all
applicable corrective actions before further flight.
(2) For airplanes identified as Group 2 in Embraer Service
Bulletin 145LEG-30-0021, dated March 31, 2014: Within 5,000 flight
hours or 48 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs first, do a general visual inspection for tube misalignment
on the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assemblies; do all
applicable corrective actions; and replace the tube ribbon heater
with a new tube ribbon heater on the pitot number 1 and pitot number
2 tube assemblies; in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of Embraer Service Bulletin 145LEG-30-0021, dated March
31, 2014. Do all applicable corrective actions before further
flight.
(i) Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision
(1) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(3) of
this AD: Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the AFM to include the information in the ``Unreliable Airspeed
Procedure'' in the Emergency/Abnormal Procedures section and the
``Unreliable Airspeed Tables'' (corresponding to the airplane
configuration) in the Performance section, as specified in Embraer
Temporary Revision (TR) 40.2, dated April 4, 2014, to Volume 1, of
the Embraer EMB-145 Aircraft Operations Manual (AOM) AOM-145/1114
(``Embraer TR 40.2'').
(2) For airplanes identified in paragraphs (c)(2) and (c)(4) of
this AD: Within 60 days after the effective date of this AD, revise
the AFM to include the information in the ``Unreliable Airspeed
Procedure'' in the Emergency/Abnormal Procedures section and the
``Unreliable Airspeed Tables'' (corresponding to the airplane
configuration) in the Performance section, as specified in Embraer
TR 19.1, dated April 22, 2014, to Volume 1 of the Embraer EMB-145
AOM AOM-2014135/1542 (``Embraer TR 19.1'').
(j) AFM Revision Method of Compliance
The AFM revisions required by paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of
this AD may be done by inserting Embraer AOM TR 40.2 or Embraer AOM
TR 19.1, as applicable, into the AFM. When the applicable Embraer
AOM TR has been included in general revisions of the AFM, the
general revisions may be inserted in the AFM, provided the relevant
information in the general revision is identical to that in Embraer
AOM TR 40.2 or Embraer AOM TR 19.1, as applicable, and the
applicable Embraer AOM TR may be removed from the AFM.
(k) Credit for Previous Actions
This paragraph provides credit for the actions required by
paragraphs (g)(1) and (h)(1) of this AD, if those actions were
performed before the effective date of this AD using Embraer Service
Bulletin 145-30-0056, dated December 19, 2013.
(l) Other FAA AD Provisions
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. In accordance with 14 CFR
39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the International Branch, send it to ATTN: Todd
Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116,
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton,
WA 98057-3356; telephone 425-227-1175; fax 425-227-1149. Information
may be emailed to: 9-ANM-116-AMOC-REQUESTS@faa.gov. Before using any
approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal inspector, or
lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office. The
AMOC approval letter must specifically reference this AD.
(2) Contacting the Manufacturer: For any requirement in this AD
to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer, the action must be
accomplished using a method 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
ANAC's authorized Designee. If approved by the ANAC Designee, the
approval must include the Designee's authorized signature.
(m) Related Information
(1) Refer to Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information
(MCAI) Brazilian Airworthiness Directive 2016-03-01, effective March
11, 2016, for related information. This MCAI may be found in the AD
docket on the Internet at https://www.regulations.gov by searching
for and locating Docket No. FAA-2016-9049.
(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; email
distrib@embraer.com.br; Internet https://www.flyembraer.com. You may
view this service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane
Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on
the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on August 18, 2016.
Dorr M. Anderson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 2016-20684 Filed 8-29-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P