[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 244 (Tuesday, December 19, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 79323-79325]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-32316]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. 2000-NM-321-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. 
(EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 and 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-135 and 
EMB-145 series airplanes. This proposal would require replacement of 
the engine oil pressure sensors with new sensors, and installation of 
an oil tank pressure relief kit. Additionally, the proposal would 
require revision of the Airplane Flight Manual that would specify new 
oil pressure limits. This action is necessary to prevent rejected 
takeoffs due to exceeding engine oil pressure limits, which could 
result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is 
intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES: Comments must be received by January 18, 2001.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments in triplicate to the Federal Aviation 
Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, ANM-114, 
Attention: Rules Docket No. 2000-NM-321-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., 
Renton, Washington 98055-4056. Comments may be inspected at this 
location between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, except 
Federal holidays. Comments may be submitted via fax to (425) 227-1232. 
Comments may also be sent via the Internet using the following address: 

[email protected]. Comments sent via fax or the Internet must 
contain ``Docket No. 2000-NM-321-AD'' in the

[[Page 79324]]

subject line and need not be submitted in triplicate. Comments sent via 
the Internet as attached electronic files must be formatted in 
Microsoft Word 97 for Windows or ASCII text.
    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, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 
450, Atlanta, Georgia.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Linda M. Haynes, Aerospace Engineer, 
Airframe and Propulsion Branch, ACE-117A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft 
Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 
450, Atlanta, Georgia 30337-2748; telephone (770) 703-6091; 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 action may be changed in 
light of the comments received.
    Submit comments using the following format:
     Organize comments issue-by-issue. For example, discuss a 
request to change the compliance time and a request to change the 
service bulletin reference as two separate issues.
     For each issue, state what specific change to the proposed 
AD is being requested.
     Include justification (e.g., reasons or data) for each 
request.
    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 action must submit a self-addressed, 
stamped postcard on which the following statement is made: ``Comments 
to Docket Number 2000-NM-321-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. 2000-NM-321-AD, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 
98055-4056.

Discussion

    The FAA has received reports indicating that a high number of 
rejected takeoffs (RTO's) have occurred on certain EMBRAER Model EMB-
145 series airplanes. We have been advised that Rolls-Royce Allison 
engines installed on Model EMB-145 series airplanes have been approved 
for operation with a transient oil pressure maximum limit of 155 pounds 
per square inch (psi) for up to two minutes. However, the current 
software configuration of the Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting 
System (EICAS) is not capable of displaying oil pressure limits that 
are above 145 psi. In addition, part of the airplane fleet is equipped 
with oil pressure indicators that do not show a maximum oil pressure 
limit or that show a ``maximum'' oil pressure limit below 115 psi. This 
condition, if not corrected, could result in a high number of RTO's and 
consequent reduced controllability of the airplane.

Similarity of Airplane Models

    The oil pressure indicators on certain Model EMB-135 series 
airplanes are identical to those on the affected Model EMB-145 series 
airplanes. Therefore, those Model EMB-135 series airplanes may be 
subject to the same unsafe condition revealed on the Model EMB-145 
series airplanes.

Explanation of Relevant Service Information

    EMBRAER has issued Service Bulletin 145-31-0021, dated August 1, 
2000, which describes procedures for replacing the oil pressure sensors 
with new oil pressure sensors. That service bulletin also references 
Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin AE 3007A-79-026, dated August 1, 2000, as 
an additional source of service information. In addition, EMBRAER 
Service Bulletin 145-31-0021 specifies concurrent accomplishment of 
procedures described in Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin AE 3007A-79-025, 
dated August 1, 2000. That Rolls-Royce service bulletin describes 
procedures for removing the pressurizing valve vent-tube [Part Number 
(P/N) 23065524], the oil tank pressurizing valve (P/N 23062185), and 
the oil tank-to-pressurizing valve vent-tube (P/N 23062186), and 
installing an oil tank pressure relief kit (P/N 23073557) and the oil 
tank pressurizing valve (P/N 23062185) in a new location.
    The Departmento de Aviacao Civil (DAC), which is the airworthiness 
authority for Brazil has issued Notice of Proposed Regulations--
Brazilian airworthiness directives, NPR/AD-2000-145-05, dated August 
23, 2000, and NPR/AD-2000-AE3007-01, dated August 24, 2000, proposing 
that the actions specified in the previously described service 
information be made mandatory.
    EMBRAER has also issued Revision 40 of EMBRAER Model 145 Airplane 
Flight Manual, dated August 11, 2000, which specifies certain revised 
maximum oil pressure limits to 145 psi.

U.S. Type Certification of the Airplane

    These airplane models are manufactured in Brazil and are 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.

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 EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-31-0021, dated 
August 1, 2000, and Rolls-Royce Service Bulletin AE 30007A-79-025, 
dated August 1, 2000. In addition, this proposed AD would require 
installation of Revision 40 into the Limitations Section of the FAA-
Approved AFM.

Differences Between This Proposal and the Foreign Notices of 
Proposed Regulations

    Operators should note that, although the Brazilian Notices of 
Proposed Regulations do not specify installation of Revision 40 into 
the AFM, the FAA has determined that this revision of the AFM is 
necessary to ensure that pilots are aware of the appropriate 
operational limits for the oil temperature. In addition, operators 
should note that, although 155 psi has been approved as the maximum 
limit for oil pressure,

[[Page 79325]]

Revision 40 of the AFM specifies the maximum limit for oil pressure as 
145 psi. Therefore, for the purposes of this proposed AD, the 
operational limits for maximum oil pressure is 145 psi, as specified in 
Revision 40 of the AFM.

Interim Action

    This is considered to be interim action. The manufacturer has 
advised that a new modification is currently being developed that will 
positively address the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. Once that 
modification is developed, approved, and available, the FAA may 
consider additional rulemaking.

Cost Impact

    The FAA estimates that 185 EMBRAER Model EMB-135 and EMB-145 series 
airplanes of U.S. registry would be affected by this proposed AD, that 
it would take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to install the oil 
pressure sensor, and that the average labor rate is $60 per work hour. 
Required parts would cost approximately $3,562 per airplane. The FAA 
estimates that it would take approximately 2 work hours per airplane to 
install the oil tank pressure relief kit. Required parts would cost 
approximately $2,421 per airplane. Additionally, it would take 
approximately 1 work hour per airplane to accomplish the revision of 
the AFM. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the proposed AD on 
U.S. operators is estimated to be $1,151,255, or $6,223 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 proposed AD were not adopted. The cost impact 
figures discussed in AD rulemaking actions represent only the time 
necessary to perform the specific actions actually required by the AD. 
These figures typically do not include incidental costs, such as the 
time required to gain access and close up, planning time, or time 
necessitated by other administrative actions.

Regulatory Impact

    The regulations proposed herein would not have a substantial direct 
effect 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, it 
is determined that this proposal would not have federalism implications 
under Executive Order 13132.
    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. 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 2000-NM-
321-AD.

    Applicability: Model EMB-135 and EMB-145 series airplanes, 
serial numbers 145001 through 145369 inclusive, equipped with Rolls-
Royce/Allison engine Models AE 3007A, AE 3007A1/1, AE 3007A1/2, AE 
3007A1/3, AE 3007A1, and AE 3007A1P, certificated in any category.

    Note 1: This AD applies to each airplane identified in the 
preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been 
otherwise 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 rejected takeoffs due to exceeding engine oil 
pressure limits, which could result in reduced controllability of 
the airplane, accomplish the following:

Required Actions

    (a) Within 6 months after the effective date of this AD: 
Accomplish the requirements of paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this 
AD concurrently.
    (1) Replace the engine oil pressure sensors with new sensors, 
per EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-31-0021, dated August 1, 2000.
    (2) Install an oil tank pressure relief kit per Rolls-Royce 
Service Bulletin AE 3007A-79-025, dated August 1, 2000.
    (b) After completion of the actions required by paragraphs 
(a)(1) and (a)(2) of this AD and before further flight: Revise the 
Limitations Section of the FAA-approved Airplane Flight Manual (AFM) 
by inserting a copy of Revision 40 of the EMBRAER Model-145 AFM, 
dated August 11, 2000, into the AFM.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

    (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. 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 Manager, Atlanta ACO.

Special Flight Permits

    (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 Notice 
of Proposed Regulations NPR/AD-2000-145-05, dated August 23, 2000, 
and NPR/AD-2000-AE3007-01, dated August 24, 2000.


    Issued in Renton, Washington, on December 13, 2000.
Dorenda D. Baker,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.

[FR Doc. 00-32316 Filed 12-18-00; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P