[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 28 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 6842-6844]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-2826]
[[Page 6842]]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. 97-NM-231-AD; Amendment 39-10311; AD 98-03-19]
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.
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SUMMARY: This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD),
applicable to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-120 series airplanes, that
requires deactivation of certain circuit breakers, and a revision to
the Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to provide operational procedures to
prevent loss of electrical power following an engine flameout. This AD
also requires modifications of the electrical system, which terminate
the requirement for the AFM revision and allow reactivation of the
circuit breakers. This amendment is prompted by the issuance of
mandatory continued airworthiness information by a foreign civil
airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended
to prevent generator overload conditions that could result in loss of
electrical power and failure of certain flight and landing control
systems, and to prevent power interruption to the attitude heading
reference system (AHRS) that could result in the display of erroneous
heading information.
DATES: Effective March 18, 1998.
The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in
the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as
of March 18, 1998.
ADDRESSES: The service information referenced in this AD may be
obtained from Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica, S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O.
Box 343--CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos--SP, Brazil. This information
may be examined at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport
Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton,
Washington; or at 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.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: John W. McGraw, Aerospace Engineer,
Systems and Flight Test Branch, ACE-116A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite
450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone (770) 703-6098; fax (770) 703-
6097.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A proposal to amend part 39 of the Federal
Aviation Regulations (14 CFR part 39) to include an airworthiness
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-120
series airplanes was published in the Federal Register on November 28,
1997 (62 FR 63288). That action proposed to require deactivation of
certain circuit breakers, and a revision to the Airplane Flight Manual
(AFM) to provide operational procedures to prevent loss of electrical
power following an engine flameout. That action also proposed to
require modifications of the electrical system, which would terminate
the requirement for the AFM revision and allow reactivation of the
circuit breakers.
Comments
Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate
in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to
the single comment received.
The commenter supports the proposed rule.
Conclusion
After careful review of the available data, including the comment
noted above, the FAA has determined that air safety and the public
interest require the adoption of the rule as proposed.
Cost Impact
The FAA estimates that 227 airplanes of U.S. registry will be
affected by this AD.
It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish
the required AFM revisions, and that the average labor rate is $60 per
work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AFM revisions
required by this AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $13,620, or
$60 per airplane.
It will take approximately 90 work hours per airplane to accomplish
the required modifications at an average labor rate of $60 per work
hour. Required parts will cost approximately $4,150 per airplane. Based
on these figures, the cost impact of the modifications required by this
AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $2,167,850, or $9,550 per
airplane.
The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the requirements of this
AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions in the
future if this AD were not adopted. However, the FAA has been advised
that 43 U.S. registered airplanes are in compliance in accordance with
the requirements of this AD. Therefore, the future economic cost impact
of this rule on U.S. operators is now $11,040 for accomplishment of the
AFM revisions, and $1,757,200 for accomplishment of the modifications.
Regulatory Impact
The regulations adopted herein will not have substantial direct
effects on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in
accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this final
rule does not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant the
preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this action (1) is
not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 12866;
(2) is not a ``significant rule'' under DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and (3) will not have a
significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a substantial
number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory
Flexibility Act. A final evaluation has been prepared for this action
and it is contained in the Rules Docket. A copy of it may be obtained
from the Rules Docket at the location provided under the caption
ADDRESSES.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
Adoption of the Amendment
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.
[[Page 6843]]
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new
airworthiness directive:
98-03-19 Empresa Brasileira De Aeronautica, S.A. (Embraer):
Amendment 39-10311. Docket 97-NM-231-AD.
Applicability: Model EMB-120, EMB-120RT, and EMB-120ER series
airplanes; up to and including serial number 120291; 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 prevent generator overload conditions that could result in
loss of electrical power and failure of certain flight and landing
control systems, and to prevent power interruption to the attitude
heading reference system (AHRS) that could result in the display of
erroneous heading information, accomplish the following:
(a) For airplanes not equipped with an auxiliary power unit
(APU); except serial numbers 120004, 120006 through 120024
inclusive, 120026 through 120030 inclusive, 120033 through 120035
inclusive, 120037, and 120040; on which Part I, II, or III of
EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-24-0008, Change 03, dated August 19,
1994, or Change 04, dated October 3, 1995, has not been
accomplished: Within 3 days after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish paragraphs (a)(1), (a)(2), and (a)(3) of this AD.
(1) Trip (pull open) circuit breakers (CB) 534 (auxiliary
generator 2 bus control) and CB 535 (auxiliary generator 1 bus
control) located in the right-hand direct current (DC) relay box and
left-hand DC relay box, respectively.
(2) Install circuit breaker collars to prevent the circuit
breakers from closing.
(3) Install, near CB 534 and CB 535, a placard or tag with the
following wording: ``Do not close CB 534 or CB 535.''
(b) For all airplanes: Within 30 days after the effective date
of this AD, accomplish paragraphs (b)(1), (b)(2), and (b)(3) of this
AD.
(1) Revise the Abnormal Procedures section of the FAA-approved
Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) to include the following. This may be
accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.
``SECTION III--ABNORMAL PROCEDURES:
ENGINE FAILURE
ONE ENGINE INOPERATIVE APPROACH AND LANDING
If auxiliary power unit (APU) is not available
Electrical Load................................ REDUCE TO BELOW 400 AMPS
At least the following systems should be turned off: windshield heating, propeller de-ice, gasper fans,
recirculation fans, logotype lights, and taxi lights..
CAUTION
Should an unexpected electrical power loss occur during a rejected takeoff or landing run, remember:......
--Emergency brake will be available......................................................................
--Below 45 knots (KT), turn anti-skid off to recover one normal brake pair (inboard or outboard).........
ELECTRICAL FAILURE
SHORT CIRCUIT IN THE RELAY BOX DIRECT CURRENT (DC)
BUS 1
--GEN 1 OFF BUS, BUS 1 OFF. EMERG BUS OFF, CENTRAL BUS OFF, BATT OFF BUS and inverter 2 INOP lights
illuminated on the electrical panel..
Note: In some cases, the CENTRAL BUS OFF light may not illuminate........................................
--ELEC light illuminated on the multiple alarm panel.....................................................
--CAUTION light flashing.................................................................................
Caution: DO NOT TRY TO RESET THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. .....................................................
Electrical Emergency Switch.................... EMERG
Altitude....................................... AT OR BELOW 25,000 FT
Airplane is limited to 25,000 ft since the left engine bleed is closed due to loss of the electrical
power..
The engines or APU airstart and electrical crossfeed are not possible....................................
The equipment connected to the relay box DC BUS 1, DC BUS 1, radio master DC buses 1B and 1C are out.
Land as soon as practical..
Note:....................................................................................................
For airplanes Pre-Mod SB 120-24-0008, the AHRS 1 and the equipment connected to the radio master
DC BUS 1A are out too..
For airplanes Post-Mod SB 120-33-0033 or S/N 120.273 and on:....................................
--The emergency lights will be automatically turned on when the electrical system is in emergency
operating mode..
--The emergency lights must be turned off, in order to save the emergency light batteries..............
--The emergency lights must be turned on during approach or when necessary.''..........................
(2) Revise the Normal Procedures section of the FAA-approved AFM
to include the following. This may be accomplished by inserting a
copy of this AD into the AFM.
``SECTION IV--NORMAL PROCEDURES:
BEFORE TAKEOFF
If APU is available
APU Generator...................................... ON
Takeoff must be carried out with APU generator connected to the central DC bus, thus providing another
source to avoid overload should one engine flame out..
If APU is not available
Electrical Load.................................... REDUCE TO BELOW 400 AMPS
[[Page 6844]]
At least the following systems should be turned off: windshield heating, propeller de-ice, gasper fans,
recirculation fans, logotype lights, and taxi lights..
AFTER TAKEOFF
If APU is available
APU................................................ AS REQUIRED
If APU is not available
Electrical load.................................... RESTORE
Windshield heating................................. AS REQUIRED
Emergency lights switch............................ OFF, then ARM
APPROACH
If APU is available
APU Generator...................................... ON
Approach and landing must be carried out with APU generator connected to the central DC bus.............
BEFORE LANDING
If APU is not available
Electrical Load.................................... REDUCE TO BELOW 400 AMPS
At least the following systems should be turned off: windshield heating, propeller de-ice, gasper fans,
recirculation fans, logotype lights, and taxi lights. .
CAUTION: Do not set electrical emergency switch to emergency position during approach or landing.''......
(3) Revise the Limitations section (Section II) of the FAA-
approved AFM to include the following. This may be accomplished by
inserting a copy of this AD into the AFM.
``Both starter/generators must operate normally prior to flight.
The APU generator must operate normally prior to flight in known or
forecast icing conditions. [Note: This supersedes any relief
provided by the Master Minimum Equipment List (MMEL).]''
(c) Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD,
accomplish paragraphs (c)(1) and (c)(2) of this AD, as applicable.
(1) For all airplanes except serial numbers 120004, 120006
through 120024 inclusive, 120026 through 120030 inclusive, 120033
through 120035 inclusive, 120037, and 120040; on which Part I, II,
or III of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-24-0008, Change 03, dated
August 19, 1994, or Change 04, dated October 3, 1995; has not been
accomplished: Modify the electrical system in accordance with Part
IV of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-24-0008, Change 04, dated October
3, 1995. After this modification is accomplished, the modification
required by paragraph (a) of this AD may be removed and the affected
circuit breakers reactivated.
(2) For all airplanes: Modify the electrical system in
accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-24-0051, Change 04,
dated March 8, 1995. After this modification is accomplished, the
AFM revisions required by paragraph (b) of this AD may be removed
from the AFM.
(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 Aircraft Certification
Office (ACO), FAA, Small Airplane Directorate. 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.
(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.
(f) The actions shall be done in accordance with the following
EMBRAER service bulletins, which contain the specified effective
pages:
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Revision
Service bulletin referenced and Page No. level shown Date shown on page
date on page
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120-24-0008, Change 04, October 1-4....................................... 04 Oct. 3, 1995.
3, 1995. 5-64...................................... 03 Aug. 19, 1994.
120-24-0051, Change 04, March 1-4, 41-46, 59, 60, 89-92................. 04 Mar. 8, 1995.
8, 1995. 5-40, 47-58, 61-88, 93-103................ 03 Nov. 3, 1994.
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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 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 directives (DAE) 93-24-01, dated December 31, 1993;
94-03-01R1, dated December 10, 1994, and 93-12-01R1, dated December
12, 1994.
(g) This amendment becomes effective on March 18, 1998.
Issued in Renton, Washington, on January 30, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-2826 Filed 2-10-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-U