2000-19-03: Fuel System Tubing

2000-19-03 EMPRESA BRASILEIRA DE AERONAUTICA S.A. (EMBRAER): Amendment 39-11904. Docket 2000-NM-301-AD. Applicability: Model EMB-135 and EMB-145 series airplanes, as listed in Embraer Alert Service Bulletin S.B. 145-28-A014, dated August 25, 2000; 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 (c) 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 failure of the rivets attaching the Gamah coupling hinge to the fuel system tubing and consequent separation of the coupling, which could result in fuel leakage and consequent fire in or around the wing, accomplish the following: General Visual Inspection (a) Perform a one-time general visual inspection of the hinge and locking fastener of the Gamah couplings of the fuel system tubing located in the wing dry bay to detect discrepancies (including coupling separation, and loose rivets on the coupling hinge or locking fastener attaching points), in accordance with Embraer Alert Service Bulletin S.B. 145-28-A014, dated August 25, 2000; at the times specified in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD, as applicable. If no discrepancies are detected, secure the Gamah couplings with locking wire in accordance with the alert service bulletin. (1) For airplanes having serial numbers 145004 through 145103 inclusive; 145105 through 145121 inclusive; 145123 through 145139 inclusive; 145141 through 145153 inclusive; 145155 through 145176 inclusive: Within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. (2) For airplanes having serial numbers 145177 through 145189 inclusive; 145191 through 145230 inclusive; 145232 through 145251 inclusive; 145253 through 145255 inclusive; 145258 through 145262 inclusive; 145264 through 145293 inclusive; 145295, 145296, and 145298 through 145300 inclusive: Within 50 flight hours after the effective date of this AD. Follow-On Corrective Actions (b) If any discrepancies (including coupling separation, and loose rivets on the coupling hinge or locking fastener attaching points) are detected after accomplishment of the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD: Before further flight, replace any affected Gamah couplings and secure the Gamah couplings with locking wire in accordance with Embraer Alert Service Bulletin S.B. 145-28- A014, dated August 25, 2000. Accomplishment of this paragraph terminates the requirements of this AD. Alternative Methods of Compliance (c) 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, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA. 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. Special Flight Permits (d) 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. Incorporation by Reference (e) The actions shall be done in accordance with Embraer Alert Service Bulletin S.B. 145-28- A014, dated August 25, 2000. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. 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, 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. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian airworthiness directive 2000-09-01, dated September 1, 2000. (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 3, 2000.