[Federal Register: October 26, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 206)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 61729-61733]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr26oc05-8]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2004-18564; Directorate Identifier 2004-NM-16-AD;
Amendment 39-14352; AD 2005-22-08]
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.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for
certain EMBRAER airplane models as identified above. This AD requires
modifying the total air temperature (TAT) sensor heating system. This
AD also allows replacing the fully automated digital electronic control
(FADEC) assemblies with new or modified assemblies as an additional
means of compliance. This AD results from a report indicating that the
FADEC unit failed to compensate for ice accretion on the engine fan
blades due to a false temperature signal from the TAT sensor to the
FADEC. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the TAT sensor,
which could result in
[[Page 61730]]
insufficient thrust to take off or (if coupled with the loss of an
engine during takeoff) to abort the takeoff in a safe manner, and
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.
DATES: This AD becomes effective November 30, 2005.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in the AD as of November 30,
2005.
ADDRESSES: You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
or in person at the Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building,
room PL-401, Washington, DC.
Contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box
343--CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos--SP, Brazil, for service
information identified in this AD.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer,
International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate,
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425)
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Examining the Docket
You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov
or in person at the Docket Management Facility office between 9 a.m.
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Docket
Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-5227) is located on the
plaza level of the Nassif Building at the street address stated in the
ADDRESSES section.
Discussion
The FAA issued a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM)
to amend 14 CFR part 39 to include an AD that would apply to certain
EMBRAER Model EMB-135BJ, -135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, -145, -145ER,
-145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes. That supplemental
NPRM was published in the Federal Register on August 17, 2005 (70 FR
48339). That supplemental NPRM proposed to require modifying the total
air temperature (TAT) sensor heating system. That supplemental NPRM
also allows for replacing the fully automated digital electronic
control (FADEC) unit assemblies with new or modified assemblies as an
additional means of compliance.
New Relevant Service Information
EMBRAER has issued Service Bulletin 145-30-0028, Revision 10, dated
March 22, 2005. Paragraph (f) of the supplemental NPRM refers to
EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0028, Revision 09, dated March 1, 2004,
as the appropriate source of service information for modifying the TAT
sensor heating system. The applicability statement of the supplemental
NPRM also refers to EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0028, Revision 09,
as the source in which affected airplanes are identified. Revision 10
of the service bulletin includes minor editorial revisions, but no
substantive changes. Therefore, we have revised the applicability
statement and paragraph (f) of this AD to refer to EMBRAER Service
Bulletin 145-30-0028, Revision 10. We have also revised paragraph (g)
of this AD to give credit for modifications done before the effective
date of this AD in accordance with Revision 09.
Comments
We provided the public the opportunity to participate in the
development of this AD. We have considered the comments received.
Support for the Supplemental NPRM
One commenter supports the intent of the supplemental NPRM.
Request To Add Additional Means of Compliance
The airplane manufacturer comments that it has recently approved
FADEC software version 8.0. (Paragraph (h) of the supplemental NPRM
specifies that replacing the existing FADEC assemblies with new or
modified FADEC assemblies that include software version 7.6 is
acceptable for compliance with paragraph (f) of the supplemental NPRM.)
The commenter notes that, because the same features relating to
temperature reading in FADEC software version 7.6 are included in
software version 8.0, FADEC software version 8.0 should also be
referenced as an acceptable means of compliance with the proposed
requirements. The commenter also lists the service bulletins for
installing FADEC software version 8.0.
We agree with the commenter's request. EMBRAER has issued the
service bulletins specified in the table below.
Service Information for Installing FADEC Assemblies Having Software
Version 8.0
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Which refers to Rolls-Royce
For EMBRAER Model-- EMBRAER Service Bulletin Revision Date Service Bulletin--
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, 145-73-0027................... Original............ March 15, 2005................ AE3007A-73-079.
-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -
145XR, -145MP, -145EP.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, 145-73-0028................... Original............ March 15, 2005................ AE3007A-73-078.
-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -
145XR, -145MP, -145EP.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, 145-73-0029................... Original............ May 4, 2005................... AE3007A-73-075.
-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -
145XR, -145MP, -145EP.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, 145-73-0029................... 01.................. June 27, 2005................. AE3007A-73-075.
-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -
145XR, -145MP, -145EP.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, 145-73-0030................... Original............ May 5, 2005................... AE3007A-73-076.
-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -
145XR, -145MP, -145EP.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, 145-73-0031................... Original............ May 5, 2005................... AE3007A-73-077.
-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -
145XR, -145MP, -145EP.
EMB-135BJ......................... 145LEG-73-0005................ Original............ June 7, 2005.................. AE3007A-73-079.
EMB-135BJ......................... 145LEG-73-0006................ Original............ March 8, 2005................. AE3007A-73-078.
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These service bulletins describe procedures for replacing existing
FADEC assemblies with FADEC assemblies that have software version 8.0,
including verifying the part number of the ITT trim plug and replacing
it with an ITT trim plug of another part number if necessary. These
service bulletins also refer to the Rolls-Royce service bulletins
listed in the table above as additional sources of service information
for replacing the FADEC assemblies. The EMBRAER service bulletins
listed in the table also specify that installing the new or modified
[[Page 61731]]
FADEC assemblies that have FADEC software version 8.0 also necessitates
upgrading the engine indication and crew alerting system (EICAS),
central maintenance computer (CMC), and IC-600 configuration modules,
as applicable.
We have revised paragraph (h) and Table 2 of this AD to include
references to these service bulletins and the applicable actions in
them.
Request To Add Reference to Rolls-Royce Service Bulletins
One commenter requests that we revise Table 2 of the supplemental
NPRM to give credit for replacing the FADEC assemblies with new or
modified FADEC assemblies that include software version 7.6 in
accordance with Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin AE3007A-73-067 or AE3007A-
73-069, as applicable. The commenter states that adding these service
bulletins to Table 2 would save it a lot of time that would otherwise
be needed to request an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) and
would save the FAA time that would be needed to address those AMOCs.
We do not agree that any change to this AD is necessary to meet the
intent of the commenter's request. Table 2 of this AD gives credit for
replacing FADEC assemblies with new or modified FADEC assemblies that
include software version 7.6 in accordance with, among other service
bulletins, EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-73-0022 or 145-73-0024, both
Revision 01, both dated July 15, 2004. We explain in the preamble of
the supplemental NPRM that these EMBRAER Service Bulletins refer to
Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin AE3007A-73-067 and AE3007A-73-069,
respectively, as additional sources of service information for
replacing the FADEC assemblies. We find that doing the actions
specified in Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin AE3007A-73-067 or AE3007A-73-
069 is acceptable for compliance with the corresponding actions
required by paragraph (h) of this AD, provided that all applicable
EICAS, CMC, and IC-600 upgrades; as well as any other applicable
actions associated with upgrading the EICAS, CMC, or IC-600; are also
done, as specified in paragraph 1.C., ``Description--Time for
Accomplishment,'' of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-73-0022 or 145-73-
0024, both Revision 01, as required by paragraph (h) of this AD. No
change to the AD is needed in this regard.
Clarification of AMOC Paragraph
We have revised this action to clarify the appropriate procedure
for notifying the principal inspector before using any approved AMOC on
any airplane to which the AMOC applies.
Conclusion
We have carefully reviewed the available data, including the
comments received, and determined that air safety and the public
interest require adopting the AD with the changes described previously.
We have determined that these changes will neither increase the
economic burden on any operator nor increase the scope of the AD.
Costs of Compliance
The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators
to comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
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Number of
Average Cost per U.S.-
Action Work hours labor rate Parts airplane registered Fleet cost
per hour airplanes
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Modify the TAT sensor heating system........... 8 $65 $443 $963 434 Up to $417,942.
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For airplanes modified in accordance with Revisions 04 through 08
of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0028, it will take about 1 work hour
per airplane to do the additional modification specified in Part III of
the Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletin, at an average
labor rate of $65 per work hour. Based on these figures, the estimated
cost of doing this required action is $65 per airplane.
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 have 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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866;
(2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under 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. See the ADDRESSES
section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.
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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec. 39.13
[[Page 61732]]
by adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):
2005-22-08 Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER):
Amendment 39-14352. Docket No. FAA-2004-18564; Directorate
Identifier 2004-NM-16-AD.
Effective Date
(a) This AD becomes effective November 30, 2005.
Affected ADs
(b) None.
Applicability
(c) This AD applies to EMBRAER Model EMB-135BJ, -135ER, -135KE,
-135KL, -135LR, -145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -
145EP airplanes; as identified in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-
0028, Revision 10, dated March 22, 2005; certificated in any
category.
Unsafe Condition
(d) This AD was prompted by a report indicating that the fully
automated digital electronic control (FADEC) unit failed to
compensate for ice accretion on the engine fan blades due to a false
temperature signal from the total air temperature (TAT) sensor to
the FADEC. We are issuing this AD to prevent failure of the TAT
sensor, which could result in insufficient thrust to take off or (if
coupled with the loss of an engine during takeoff) to abort the
takeoff in a safe manner, and consequent reduced controllability of
the airplane.
Compliance
(e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the
actions have already been done.
Modification
(f) Within 180 days after the effective date of this AD: Modify
the TAT sensor heating system in accordance with the Accomplishment
Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0028, Revision 10,
dated March 22, 2005.
Modifications Done According to Previous Revisions of the Service
Bulletin
(g) Actions done before the effective date of this AD are
acceptable for compliance with the corresponding requirements of
this AD as specified in paragraphs (g)(1) and (g)(2) of this AD.
(1) Modifications in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin
145-30-0028, Revision 09, dated March 1, 2004, are acceptable for
compliance with paragraph (f) of this AD.
(2) Modifications in accordance with the revisions of the
service bulletin in Table 1 of this AD are acceptable for compliance
with the corresponding action in this AD, provided that the
additional actions specified in PART III of the Accomplishment
Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0028, Revision 09,
dated March 1, 2004, or Revision 10, dated March 22, 2005, are
accomplished within the compliance time required by paragraph (f) of
this AD.
Table 1.--Previous Revisions of the Service Bulletin
------------------------------------------------------------------------
EMBRAER Service Bulletin Revision Date
------------------------------------------------------------------------
145-30-0028.................... 04 March 13, 2001.
145-30-0028.................... 05 May 24, 2001.
145-30-0028.................... 06 September 26, 2001.
145-30-0028.................... 07 April 10, 2003.
145-30-0028.................... 08 August 20, 2003.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credit for Replacement of FADEC Assemblies
(h) Replacing the existing FADEC assemblies with new or modified
FADEC assemblies that include software version 7.6 or 8.0, in
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of the applicable
service bulletin listed in Table 2 of this AD, is acceptable for
compliance with paragraph (f) of this AD. If the FADEC assemblies
are replaced with new or modified assemblies as specified in this
paragraph, all applicable engine indication and crew alerting system
(EICAS), central maintenance computer (CMC), and IC-600 upgrades; as
well as any other applicable actions associated with upgrading the
EICAS, CMC, or IC-600; must also be done, as specified in the
section of the service bulletin identified in the ``Paragraph Where
Upgrades are Identified'' column of Table 2 of this AD.
Table 2.--Service Bulletins for Upgrading FADEC Assemblies
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Paragraph where
For EMBRAER Model-- EMBRAER Service Bulletin Revision Date upgrades are
identified
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EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, - 145-73-0021..................... Original.............. July 23, 2004................... 1.C., ``Description--
145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, - Time for
145XR, -145MP, -145EP. Accomplishment''.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, - 145-73-0022..................... 01.................... July 15, 2004................... 1.C., ``Description--
145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, - Time for
145XR, -145MP, -145EP. Accomplishment''.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, - 145-73-0023..................... Original.............. June 28, 2004................... 1.C., ``Description--
145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, - Time for
145XR, -145MP, -145EP. Accomplishment''.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, - 145-73-0024..................... 01.................... July 15, 2004................... 1.C., Description--
145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, - Time for
145XR, -145MP, -145EP. Accomplishment''.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, - 145-73-0025..................... Original.............. July 23, 2004................... 1.C., ``Description--
145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, - Time for
145XR, -145MP, -145EP. Accomplishment''.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, - 145-73-0027..................... Original.............. March 15, 2005.................. 1.B., ``Concurrent
145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, - Requirements''.
145XR, -145MP, -145EP.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, - 145-73-0028..................... Original.............. March 15, 2005.................. 1.B., ``Concurrent
145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, - Requirements''.
145XR, -145MP, -145EP.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, - 145-73-0029..................... Original.............. May 4, 2005..................... 1.B., ``Concurrent
145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, - Requirements''.
145XR, -145MP, -145EP.
[[Page 61733]]
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, - 145-73-0029..................... 01.................... June 27, 2005................... 1.B., ``Concurrent
145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, - Requirements''.
145XR, -145MP, -145EP.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, - 145-73-0030..................... Original.............. May 5, 2005..................... 1.B., ``Concurrent
145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, - Requirements''.
145XR, -145MP, -145EP.
EMB-135ER, -135KE, -135KL, -135LR, - 145-73-0031..................... Original.............. May 5, 2005..................... 1.B., ``Concurrent
145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, - Requirements''.
145XR, -145MP, -145EP.
EMB-135BJ........................... 145LEG-73-0003.................. 01.................... July 15, 2004................... 1.C., ``Description--
Time for
Accomplishment''.
EMB-135BJ........................... 145LEG-73-0004.................. 02.................... October 6, 2004................. 1.C., ``Description--
Time for
Accomplishment''.
EMB-135BJ........................... 145LEG-73-0005.................. Original.............. June 7, 2005.................... 1.D., ``Description''.
EMB-135BJ........................... 145LEG-73-0006.................. Original.............. March 8, 2005................... 1.B., ``Concurrent
Requirements''.
EMB-145XR........................... 145-73-0026..................... Original.............. June 28, 2004................... 1.C., ``Description--
Time for
Accomplishment''.
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Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(i)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14
CFR 39.19.
(2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with 14 CFR
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards
Certificate Holding District Office.
Related Information
(j) Brazilian airworthiness directive 2004-01-02R2, dated
November 29, 2004, also addresses the subject of this AD.
Material Incorporated by Reference
(k) You must use EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-30-0028, Revision
10, dated March 22, 2005, to perform the actions that are required
by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise. The Director of the
Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this
document in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
Contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box
343--CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos--SP, Brazil, for a copy of this
service information. You may review copies at the Docket Management
Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, 400 Seventh Street SW.,
room PL-401, Nassif Building, Washington, DC; on the Internet at
http://dms.dot.gov; or at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this
material at the NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html
.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on October 18, 2005.
Kevin M. Mullin,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 05-21310 Filed 10-25-05; 8:45 am]
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