[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 59 (Friday, March 27, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14853-14855]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-8098]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 98-NM-34-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. 
(EMBRAER) Model EMB-145 Series Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness 
directive (AD) that is applicable to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-145 
series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time visual 
inspection of the pilot valve harness tubes for bulges and cracks, 
cleaning the tubes, applying sealant at the tube end opening, and 
replacing any discrepant tubes with serviceable tubes. This proposal 
also would require replacement of the pilot valve harness tubes and 
vent valve tubes with new tubes having improved anti-corrosion 
protection. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness 
authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to 
prevent cracking of the pilot valve harness tubes, which could allow 
fuel to enter the conduit and leak overboard; this condition could 
result in increased risk of a fuel tank explosion and fire.

DATES: Comments must be received by April 27, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 98-NM-34-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this

[[Page 14854]]

location between 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays.
    The service information referenced in the proposed rule 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 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Rob Capezzuto, Aerospace Engineer, 
ACE-115A, FAA, Small Airplane Directorate, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 
450, Atlanta, Georgia 30337-2748; telephone (770) 703-6071; fax (770) 
703-6097.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    Interested persons are invited to participate in the making of the 
proposed rule by submitting such written data, views, or arguments as 
they may desire. Communications shall identify the Rules Docket number 
and be submitted in triplicate to the address specified above. All 
communications received on or before the closing date for comments, 
specified above, will be considered before taking action on the 
proposed rule. The proposals contained in this notice may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Comments are specifically invited on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed rule. All 
comments submitted will be available, both before and after the closing 
date for comments, in the Rules Docket for examination by interested 
persons. A report summarizing each FAA-public contact concerned with 
the substance of this proposal will be filed in the Rules Docket.
    Commenters wishing the FAA to acknowledge receipt of their comments 
submitted in response to this notice must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 98-NM-34-AD.'' The postcard will be date stamped and 
returned to the commenter.

Availability of NPRMs

    Any person may obtain a copy of this NPRM by submitting a request 
to the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, Attention: Rules 
Docket No. 98-NM-34-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The Departmento de Aviacao Civil (DAC), which is the airworthiness 
authority for Brazil, notified the FAA that an unsafe condition may 
exist on certain EMBRAER Model EMB-145 series airplanes. The DAC 
advises that cracks have been detected in the pilot valve harness tube 
(conduit) inside the wing, close to rib 15. The cracking is the result 
of water entering the tube at the end opening in the rear spar, then 
freezing and expanding. Such cracking can allow fuel to enter the tube, 
wet the harness, and drain overboard. This condition, if not corrected, 
could result in increased risk of a fuel tank explosion and fire.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    EMBRAER has issued Service Bulletin 145-28-0005, dated May 23, 
1997, which describes procedures for a one-time visual inspection of 
the pilot valve harness tubes (conduit) at its lower segment for bulges 
and cracks, cleaning the tubes to remove any water, applying sealant at 
the tube opening at wing spar II around the harness, and replacing any 
discrepant tubes with new or serviceable tubes.
    EMBRAER has also issued Service Bulletin 145-28-0006, dated October 
22, 1997, which describes procedures for replacement of the existing 
pilot valve harness tubes and vent valve tubes with new tubes having 
improved anti-corrosion protection. Accomplishment of the actions 
specified in this service bulletin is intended to adequately address 
the identified unsafe condition.
    The DAC classified these service bulletins as mandatory and issued 
Brazilian airworthiness directive 97-07-02R1, dated January 15, 1998, 
in order to assure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
Brazil.

FAA's Conclusions

    This airplane model is manufactured in Brazil and is type 
certificated for operation in the United States under the provisions of 
section 21.29 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.29) and 
the applicable bilateral airworthiness agreement. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the DAC has kept the FAA informed of 
the situation described above. The FAA has examined the findings of the 
DAC, reviewed all available information, and determined that AD action 
is necessary for products of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.

Explanation of Requirements of Proposed Rule

    Since an unsafe condition has been identified that is likely to 
exist or develop on other airplanes of the same type design registered 
in the United States, the proposed AD would require accomplishment of 
the actions specified in the service bulletins described previously.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 15 airplanes of U.S. registry would be 
affected by this proposed AD, that it would take approximately 2 work 
hours per airplane to accomplish the proposed inspection, and that the 
average labor rate is $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the 
cost impact of the proposed AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be 
$1,800, or $120 per airplane.
    It would take approximately 8 work hours per airplane to accomplish 
the proposed replacement, at an average labor rate of $60 per work 
hour. Required parts would be provided by the manufacturer at no cost 
to the operator. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the 
proposed replacement on U.S. operators is estimated to be $7,200, or 
$480 per airplane.
    The cost impact figures discussed above are based on assumptions 
that no operator has yet accomplished any of the proposed requirements 
of this AD action, and that no operator would accomplish those actions 
in the future if this AD were not adopted.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would 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 
proposal would not have sufficient federalism implications to warrant 
the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this proposed 
regulation (1) is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under 
Executive Order 12866; (2) is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT 
Regulatory Policies and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); 
and (3) if promulgated, 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 copy of the draft 
regulatory evaluation prepared for this action is contained in the 
Rules Docket.

[[Page 14855]]

A copy of it may be obtained by contacting the Rules Docket at the 
location provided under the caption ADDRESSES.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the Federal Aviation Administration proposes to amend 
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.


Sec. 39.13  [Amended]

    2. Section 39.13 is amended by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive:

Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER): Docket 98-NM-34-
AD.

    Applicability: Model EMB-145 series airplanes; as listed in 
EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-28-0005, dated May 23, 1997, and 
EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-28-0006, dated October 22, 1997; 
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 cracking of the pilot valve harness tubes, which 
could allow fuel to enter the conduit and leak overboard, and result 
in increased risk of a fuel tank explosion and fire, accomplish the 
following:
    (a) Within 30 calendar days or 200 hours time-in-service after 
the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, perform a 
one-time visual inspection of the pilot valve harness tubes 
(conduit) for bulges and cracks, in accordance with the 
Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-28-0005, 
dated May 23, 1997.
    (1) If no discrepancy is found in the harness tube, prior to 
further flight, clean the tube and apply sealant at the tube end 
opening in accordance with the service bulletin.
    (2) If any crack or bulge is found in the harness tube, prior to 
further flight, replace the tube with a new or serviceable tube, 
clean the tube, and apply sealant at the tube end opening in 
accordance with the service bulletin.
    (b) Within 4,000 hours time-in-service after the effective date 
of this AD, replace the existing pilot valve harness tubes and vent 
valve tubes with new tubes, in accordance with EMBRAER Service 
Bulletin 145-28-0006, dated October 22, 1997.
    (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, 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.

    (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.

    Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian 
airworthiness directive 97-07-02R1, dated January 15, 1998.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 23, 1998.
Darrell M. Pederson,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 98-8098 Filed 3-26-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P