2008-23-17: Tie Down Straps

2008-23-17 Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER): Amendment 39-15738. Docket No. FAA-2008-0889; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-092-AD. Effective Date (a) This airworthiness directive (AD) becomes effective December 30, 2008. Affected ADs (b) None. Applicability (c) This AD applies to the airplanes specified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD. (1) EMBRAER Model ERJ 170-100 LR, -100 STD, -100 SE, and -100 SU, -200 LR, -200 STD, and -200 SU airplanes, serial numbers 17000002, 17000004 thru 17000013, and 17000015 thru 17000196, certificated in any category. (2) EMBRAER Model ERJ 190-100 STD, -100 LR, -100 IGW, -100 ECJ, -200 STD, -200 LR, and -200 IGW airplanes, serial numbers 19000002, 19000004 thru 19000132, and 19000135, certificated in any category. Subject (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 25: Equipment/Furnishings. Reason (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: [E]scape slide system installation [was found with] * * * tie- down straps which are used for escape slide packing [having not been removed]. The non-removal of the tie-down straps does not allow the aircraft door to reach the fully open position and the consequent deployment of the escape slide system in a * * * emergency evacuation, affecting the occupying safety. The unsafe condition is failure of an evacuation system, which could impede an emergency evacuation and increase the chance of injury to passengers and flightcrew during the evacuation. The corrective action involves inspection of the forward and rearward doors' emergency evacuation slide packs for the presence of tie-down straps, and, if applicable, removal of the tie-down straps. Actions and Compliance (f) Unless already done: Within 600 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, carry out a general visual inspection (GVI) of the emergency evacuation slide packs installed on the forward and rearward doors, in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 170-25-0088, dated December 21, 2007; or 190-25-0062, dated December 21, 2007; as applicable. If tie-down straps are found, they must be cut and removed from the slide pack before further flight. Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection (GVI) is: "A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation, or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure, or irregularity. This level of inspection is made from within touching distance unless otherwise specified. A mirror may be necessary to ensure visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area. This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or droplight and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors. Stands, ladders, or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.'' FAA AD DifferencesNote 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information as follows: No differences. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) 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. Send information to Attn: Kenny Kaulia, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-2848; fax (425) 227-1149. Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local FSDO. (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120- 0056. Related Information (h) Refer to MCAI Brazilian Airworthiness Directives 2008-01-03 and 2008-01-04, both effective March 3, 2008; and EMBRAER Service Bulletins 170-25-0088 and 190-25-0062, both dated December 21, 2007; for related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) You must use EMBRAER Service Bulletin 170-25-0088, dated December 21, 2007; or EMBRAER Service Bulletin 190-25-0062, dated December 21, 2007; as applicable; to do the actions required by this AD,unless the AD specifies otherwise. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (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; e-mail: [email protected]; Internet: http://www.flyembraer.com. (3) You may review copies at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_ federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.