2001-10-01: Airplane Flight Manuals--APU Start/Stop Switch Panel

2001-10-01 Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER): Amendment 39-12226. Docket 2001-NM-123-AD. Applicability: Model EMB-135 and EMB-145 series airplanes, certificated in any category, equipped with Hamilton Sundstrand Power Systems auxiliary power unit (APU) model T-62T-40C14 (APS 500R). Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent flame backflow into the APU compartment through the eductor during in-flight APU starts, which could result in fire in the APU compartment, accomplish the following: Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) Revision (a) Within 25 flight hours or 10 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, accomplish the actions required by paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD. (1) Install a placard on or near the APU start/stop switch panel that reads: "Caution: In-Flight APU Starts are Prohibited" (2) Revise the Limitations Section of the FAA-approved AFM to include the information on the placard, as specified in paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, and to limit APU starts to ground conditions only. This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD in the AFM. Note 1: Because APU starts are prohibited in flight when an engine-driven generator is inoperative, the APU must be started on the ground in order to dispatch, and the APU must be kept operational for the entire flight. Alternative Methods of Compliance (b) 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 (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with Secs. 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. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian emergency airworthiness directive 2001-04-02, dated April 12, 2001. Effective Date (d) This amendment becomes effective on May 29, 2001.