Airworthiness directives: Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A.; correction,

[Federal Register: March 30, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 60)]

[Rules and Regulations]

[Page 15126-15127]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr30mr99-2]

[[Page 15126]]

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-265-AD; Amendment 39-11100; AD 99-02-18 R1]

RIN 2120-AA64

Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-120 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Final rule; correction.

SUMMARY: This amendment corrects information in an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain EMBRAER Model EMB- 120 series airplanes, that currently requires removing the thermal insulating blankets from the upper rear nacelle structure; re- positioning the engine exhaust duct; and replacing the engine exhaust bracket with a new engine exhaust bracket, if necessary. For certain airplanes, that amendment also currently requires installing new stainless steel plates onto the upper rear nacelle structure. The actions specified in that AD are intended to prevent fretting of the titanium thermal insulating blankets, which could result in an increased risk of fire in the engine exhaust duct of the tail pipe. This amendment corrects the requirements of the existing AD by correcting affected spare part numbers of thermal insulating blankets. This amendment is prompted by review of the requirements of the existing AD.

DATES: Effective March 3, 1999.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of March 3, 1999 (64 FR 4029, January 27, 1999).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda M. Haynes, Aerospace Engineer, Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30337-2748; telephone (770) 703-6091; fax (770) 703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On January 15, 1999, the FAA issued AD 99- 02-18, amendment 39-11012 (64 FR 4029, January 27, 1999), which is applicable to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-120 series airplanes. That AD requires removing the thermal insulating blankets from the upper rear nacelle structure; re-positioning the engine exhaust duct; and replacing the engine exhaust bracket with a new engine exhaust bracket, if necessary. For certain airplanes, that AD also requires installing new stainless steel plates onto the upper rear nacelle structure. That action was prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions required by that AD are intended to prevent fretting of the titanium thermal insulating blankets, which could result in an increased risk of fire in the engine exhaust duct of the tail pipe.

As published, paragraph (d) of AD 99-02-18 contained two incorrect references to spare part numbers of thermal insulating blankets. The first incorrect reference was a typographical error that identified spare part number ``120035413-001'' as one of the blankets that, as of the effective date of the AD, shall not be installed on any airplane. That part number does not exist. The correct part number is identified in EMBRAER Service Bulletin S.B. 120-54-0035, Change 02, dated May 29, 1998 (which was referenced as the appropriate source of service information for accomplishment of the required actions) as ``120-35413- 001.''

The second incorrect reference identified a spare part number (i.e., ``120-35411-002'') that does exist, but corresponds to a thermal insulating blanket that is not subject the identified unsafe condition of the AD. The correct spare part number is identified in the referenced service bulletin as ``120-35413-002.'' Therefore, this action revises paragraph (d) of the AD to reference the correct spare part numbers identified above.

Action is taken herein to correct these requirements of AD 99-02-18 and to correctly add the AD as an amendment to section 39.13 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 39.13).

The final rule is being reprinted in its entirety for the convenience of affected operators. The effective date remains March 3, 1999.

Since this action only corrects a current requirement, it has no adverse economic impact and imposes no additional burden on any person. Therefore, notice and public procedures hereon are unnecessary.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

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

Adoption of the Correction

Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration amends part 39 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (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.

    Sec. 39.13 [Amended]

  2. Section 39.13 is amended by removing amendment 39-11012 (64 FR 4029, January 27, 1999), and by adding a new airworthiness directive (AD), amendment 39-11100, to read as follows:

    99-02-18 R1 Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER): Amendment 39-11100. Docket 98-NM-265-AD. Revises AD 99-02-18, Amendment 39-11012.

    Applicability: Model EMB-120 series airplanes, serial numbers (S/N) 120003, 120004, and 120006 through 120336 inclusive; certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For airplanes that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (e) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

    Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

    To prevent fretting of the titanium thermal insulating blankets, which could result in an increased risk of fire in the engine exhaust duct of the tail pipe, accomplish the following:

    (a) For airplanes identified in ``Part I'' of the effectivity listing of EMBRAER Service Bulletin S.B. 120-54-0035, Change 02, dated May 29, 1998: Within 2,400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, accomplish paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) in accordance with the service bulletin.

    (1) Remove the thermal insulating blankets from the upper rear nacelle structure.

    (2) Install new stainless steel plates onto the upper rear nacelle structure.

    (b) For airplanes identified in ``Part II'' of the effectivity listing of EMBRAER Service Bulletin S.B. 120-54-0035, Change 02, dated May 29, 1998: Within 2,400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, remove the thermal insulating blankets from the upper rear nacelle structure in accordance with the service bulletin.

    (c) For all airplanes: Prior to further flight following accomplishment of either paragraph (a) or (b) of this AD, as applicable,

    [[Page 15127]]

    re-position the engine exhaust duct with the use of shims in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin S.B. 120-54-0035, Change 02, dated May 29, 1998. If it is not possible to re-position the engine exhaust duct with the use of shims as specified in the service bulletin, prior to further flight, replace the rear exhaust duct bracket with a new rear exhaust duct bracket, in accordance with the ``Note'' in paragraph 1.3.1.1 of the Planning section of the service bulletin.

    (d) As of the effective date of this AD, no person shall install on any airplane a thermal insulating blanket having part number (P/ N) 120-35411-025, -035, -036, 120-35413-001, or 120-35413-002.

    (e) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia. Operators shall submit their requests through an appropriate FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may add comments and then send it to the Manager, Atlanta ACO.

    Note 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Atlanta ACO.

    (f) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the airplane to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished.

    (g) The actions shall be done in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin S.B. 120-54-0035, Change 02, dated May 29, 1998. This incorporation by reference was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51 as of March 3, 1999 (64 FR 4029, January 27, 1999). Copies may be obtained from Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box 343--CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos--SP, Brazil. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, Suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

    (h) The effective date of this amendment remains March 3, 1999.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 23, 1999. Darrell M. Pederson, Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service.

    [FR Doc. 99-7689Filed3-29-99; 8:45 am]

    BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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