99-05-04: Aileron Power Control Actuator (PCA) Rod Ends

99-05-04 EMPRESA BRASILEIRA DE AERONAUTICA S.A. (EMBRAER): Amendment 39- 11087. Docket 99-NM-33-AD. Applicability: All Model EMB-145 series airplanes, 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 (d) 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 detect and correct cracking or failure of the rod ends of the aileron power control actuator (PCA), which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following: Initial and Repetitive Inspections (a) Within 24 hours (1 day) after the effective date of this AD, perform a detailed visual inspection to detect cracking or failure of the rod ends of the PCA at the aileron and wing connection points, in accordance with EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-27-A054, Change 01, dated February 17, 1999. Repeat the inspection in accordance with the alert service bulletin thereafter at intervals not to exceed 3 days or 25 flight hours, whichever occurs later. Corrective Actions (b) If any cracked or failed rod end is detected during any inspection performed in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD, prior to further flight, replace the aileron PCA with a new part having the same part number, in accordance with EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-27-A054, Change 01, dated February 17, 1999. Reporting Requirement (c) Within 10 days after the replacement of any aileron PCA in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD, submit a report of the cracked or failed rod end to the Manager, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; fax (770) 703-6097. Information collection requirements contained in this regulation have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) and have been assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Alternative Methods of Compliance (d) 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 ACO. 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 (e) 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 (f) Except as provided by paragraph (c) of this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with EMBRAER Alert Service Bulletin 145-27-A054, Change 01, dated February 17, 1999. 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, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta ACO, 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 1999-02-01R1, dated February 18, 1999. (g) This amendment becomes effective on March 29, 1999, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by emergency AD 99-05-04, issued February 19, 1999, which contained the requirements of this amendment.