[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 236 (Friday, December 8, 2006)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 71096-71099]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-20856]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2006-26462; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-221-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. 
(EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170-100 LR, -100 STD, -100 SE, -100 SU, -200 LR, -
200 STD, and -200 SU Airplanes and Model ERJ 190 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) 
for certain EMBRAER Model ERJ 170-100 LR, -100 STD, -100 SE, -100 SU, -
200 LR, -200 STD, and -200 SU airplanes and Model ERJ 190 airplanes. 
This proposed AD would require inspecting to determine the part number 
and serial number of the deployment actuator of the ram air turbine 
(RAT) and related investigative and corrective actions if necessary. 
This proposed AD results from reports that the RAT may not fully deploy 
due to galling between the piston rod and gland housing of the 
deployment actuator. We are proposing this AD to prevent the RAT from 
failing to deploy, which could result in loss of control of the 
airplane during in-flight emergencies.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by January 8, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, Room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER), P.O. Box 
343-CEP 12.225, Sao Jose dos Campos-SP, Brazil, for service information 
identified in this proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``FAA-2006-
26462; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-221-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the proposed AD. We will 
consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend the 
proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), or you 
may visit http://dms.dot.gov.

[[Page 71097]]

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

Discussion

    The Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC), 
which is the airworthiness authority for Brazil, notified us that an 
unsafe condition may exist on all EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 
airplanes. The ANAC advises that it has received reports that the ram 
air turbine (RAT) may not fully deploy due to galling between the 
piston rod and gland housing of the deployment actuator. The galling 
resulted in material becoming wedged between the piston rod and the 
gland housing. This condition, if not corrected, could lead to the RAT 
failing to deploy, which could result in loss of control of the 
airplane during in-flight emergencies.

Relevant Service Information

    EMBRAER has issued Service Bulletins 170-24-0026 and 190-24-0003, 
both dated December 22, 2005. The service bulletins describe procedures 
for inspecting to determine the part number (P/N) and serial number (S/
N) of the RAT deployment actuator. For deployment actuators having P/N 
1703785 and S/N 0004, 0005, or 0101 through 0190 inclusive, the service 
bulletins describe procedures for investigative and corrective actions, 
including:
     Deploying the RAT and inspecting for evidence of galling 
between the piston rod and gland housing of the deployment actuator;
     Repeating the inspection of the actuator of any RAT that 
fully deploys and displays no evidence of galling as specified above, 
until that actuator is replaced with a modified and reidentified or 
new, improved actuator, which eliminates the need for the repetitive 
inspections only for that actuator;
     Replacing the deployment actuator of any RAT that fails to 
fully deploy or that displays any evidence of galling, as specified 
above, with a modified and reidentified or new, improved actuator; and
     Eventually replacing all subject actuators with modified 
and reidentified or new, improved actuators, which eliminates the need 
for the repetitive inspections for all subject actuators.
    For actuators having P/N 1703785 and S/Ns 0191 through 0242 
inclusive, the service bulletins describe procedures for re-identifying 
the actuators.
    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition. The ANAC mandated 
the service information and issued Brazilian airworthiness directives 
2006-05-06, effective June 14, 2006, and 2006-05-09, effective June 19, 
2006, to ensure the continued airworthiness of these airplanes in 
Brazil.
    The EMBRAER service bulletins refer to Hamilton Sundstrand Service 
Bulletin ERPS37A-24-1, dated December 6, 2005, as an additional source 
of service information for inspecting for galling of the piston rod of 
the RAT deployment actuator and re-identifying the actuator. The 
Hamilton Sundstrand service bulletin is included as Appendix 1 of the 
EMBRAER service bulletins.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    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. Pursuant to this 
bilateral airworthiness agreement, the ANAC has kept the FAA informed 
of the situation described above. We have examined the ANAC's findings, 
evaluated all pertinent information, and determined that we need to 
issue an AD for airplanes of this type design that are certificated for 
operation in the United States.
    Therefore, we are proposing this AD, which would require doing the 
actions described previously, except as discussed under ``Differences 
Among the Proposed AD, the Brazilian Airworthiness Directives, and the 
Service Information.''

Differences Among the Proposed AD, the Brazilian Airworthiness 
Directives, and the Service Information

    The EMBRAER service bulletins specify to inspect for galling 
between the piston rod and gland housing in the deployment actuator; 
however, this proposed AD would require a ``general visual inspection'' 
for such galling. We have included a definition of this type of 
inspection in Note 2 of this proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    The following table provides the estimated costs for U.S. operators 
to comply with this proposed AD, at an average labor rate of $80 per 
hour.

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                  Number of U.S.-
             Action                 Work    Cost per airplane        registered               Fleet cost
                                   hours                             airplanes
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Inspection to determine part and        1  $80................  76.................  $6,080.
 serial numbers.
Inspection of piston rod........        1  $80, per inspection  Up to 76...........  Up to $6,080, per
                                            cycle.                                    inspection cycle.
Replacement of RAT deployment           4  $320...............  Up to 76...........  Up to $24,320.
 actuator.
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Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
subtitle VII, part A, subpart III, section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

[[Page 71098]]

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD 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.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the 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. 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.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the 
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 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. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
adding the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER): Docket No. FAA-
2006-26462; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-221-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by January 
8, 2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to all EMBRAER Model ERJ 170-100 LR, -100 
STD, -100 SE, -100 SU, -200 LR, -200 STD, and -200 SU airplanes, as 
identified in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 170-24-0026, dated December 
22, 2005; and Model ERJ 190-100 STD, -100 LR, and -100 IGW 
airplanes, as identified in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 190-24-0003, 
dated December 22, 2005; certificated in any category.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from reports that the ram air turbine (RAT) 
may not fully deploy due to galling between the piston rod and gland 
housing of the RAT deployment actuator. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent the RAT from failing to deploy, which could result in loss 
of control of the airplane during in-flight emergencies.

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Service Bulletin Reference

    (f) The term ``service bulletin,'' as used in this AD, means the 
Accomplishment Instructions of the service bulletins identified in 
paragraphs (f)(1) and (f)(2) of this AD. Where these service 
bulletins specify returning affected parts to Hamilton Sundstrand, 
this AD does not require that action.
    (1) For Model ERJ 170-100 LR, -100 STD, -100 SE, and -100 SU 
airplanes: EMBRAER Service Bulletin 170-24-0026, dated December 22, 
2005.
    (2) For Model ERJ 190-100 STD, -100 LR, and -100 IGW airplanes: 
EMBRAER Service Bulletin 190-24-0003, dated December 22, 2005.

    Note 1: The EMBRAER service bulletins refer to Hamilton 
Sundstrand Service Bulletin ERPS37A-24-1, dated December 6, 2005, as 
an additional source of service information for inspecting for 
galling of the piston rod of the RAT deployment actuator and re-
identifying the actuator. The Hamilton Sundstrand service bulletin 
is included as Appendix 1 of the EMBRAER service bulletins.

Inspection To Determine Part Number (P/N) and Serial Number (S/N)

    (g) Within 600 flight hours or 3 months after the effective date 
of this AD, whichever occurs first: Inspect to determine the part 
number and serial number of the RAT deployment actuator, in 
accordance with the applicable service bulletin. A review of 
airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the part number and serial number of the RAT 
deployment actuator can be conclusively determined from that review.
    (1) If the part number of the actuator is not P/N 1703785: No 
further action is required by this AD, except as provided by 
paragraph (i) of this AD.
    (2) If the part number of the actuator is P/N 1703785 and the 
serial number is S/N 0004, 0005, or 0101 through 0190 inclusive, or 
the part number or serial number cannot be conclusively determined: 
Within 600 flight hours or 3 months after the effective date of this 
AD, whichever occurs first, deploy the RAT, and do the actions 
specified in paragraph (g)(2)(i) or (g)(2)(ii) of this AD, as 
applicable, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin.
    (i) If the RAT does not fully deploy or if it deploys with 
hesitation: Before further flight, replace the RAT deployment 
actuator with a modified and reidentified or new, improved actuator, 
having P/N 1703785A.
    (ii) If the RAT fully deploys without hesitation: Before further 
flight, perform a general visual inspection for galling of the 
piston rod of the RAT deployment actuator. If no evidence of galling 
is detected, repeat the inspection for galling at intervals not to 
exceed 1,200 flight hours or 5 months, whichever occurs first, and 
before further flight after each deployment of the RAT. If any 
evidence of galling is found, before further flight, replace the RAT 
deployment actuator with a modified and reidentified or new, 
improved RAT deployment actuator having P/N 1703785A. Replacing the 
RAT deployment actuator terminates the repetitive inspections 
required by this paragraph for that RAT deployment actuator only.

    Note 2: For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection 
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 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.''

    (3) If the part number of the RAT deployment actuator is P/N 
1703785, and the serial number is S/N 0191 through 0242 inclusive: 
Within 3,000 flight hours or 12 months after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever occurs first, reidentify the RAT deployment 
actuator with new P/N 1703785A in accordance with the applicable 
service bulletin.

Terminating Action for Repetitive Inspections

    (h) Within 3,000 flight hours or 12 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first: Replace all RAT deployment 
actuators having P/N 1703785 and having S/N 0004, 0005, or 0101 
through 190 inclusive, with modified and reidentified or new, 
improved actuators having P/N 1703785A, in accordance with the 
applicable service bulletin. Replacing all of the RAT deployment 
actuators terminates the repetitive inspections required by 
paragraph (g)(2)(ii) of this AD.

Parts Installation

    (i) As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install a 
RAT deployment actuator having P/N 1703785 on any airplane.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (j)(1) The Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for 
this AD, if requested in accordance with the procedures found in 14 
CFR 39.19.

[[Page 71099]]

    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

Related Information

    (k) Brazilian airworthiness directives 2006-05-06, effective 
June 14, 2006, and 2006-05-09, effective June 19, 2006, also address 
the subject of this AD.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on November 24, 2006.
Kalene C. Yanamura,
Acting Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E6-20856 Filed 12-7-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P