[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 83 (Tuesday, April 29, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 23134-23136]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-9315]



[[Page 23134]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2008-0483; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-006-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. 
(EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 Airplanes, and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -
145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the 
products listed above. This proposed AD results from mandatory 
continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation 
authority of another country to identify and correct an unsafe 
condition on an aviation product. The MCAI describes the unsafe 
condition as:

    It has been found the occurrence of smoke in the flight deck 
originated from Pitot 1/2 and TAT 1/2 current sensor relays and 
[their] respective sockets, caused by poor electrical contacts 
between those relays and their sockets.

The unsafe condition is that smoke in the flight deck may interfere 
with the flightcrew's ability to operate the airplane. The proposed AD 
would require actions that are intended to address the unsafe condition 
described in the MCAI.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 29, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-40, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Operations office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Operations office (telephone (800) 647-5527) is 
in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be available in the AD docket 
shortly after receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 
227-1405; fax (425) 227-1149.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2008-0483; 
Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-006-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD based on those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    The Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC), 
which is the aviation authority for Brazil, has issued Brazilian 
Airworthiness Directive 2007-11-04R1, effective December 21, 2007 
(referred to after this as ``the MCAI''), to correct an unsafe 
condition for the specified products. The MCAI states:

    It has been found the occurrence of smoke in the flight deck 
originated from Pitot 1/2 and TAT 1/2 current sensor relays and 
[their] respective sockets, caused by poor electrical contacts 
between those relays and their sockets.

The unsafe condition is that smoke in the flight deck may interfere 
with the flightcrew's ability to operate the airplane. Corrective 
actions include inspecting for damage of the Pitot 1 and 2 and TAT 1 
and 2 current sensor relays and sockets; and, as applicable, replacing 
the A1 and C1 electrical contacts of the sockets and reidentifying the 
sockets, replacing the sockets, and replacing current sensor relays. 
Damage may include melted points or stuck material of the silicone 
gasket, incorrect shape of the current sensor relay/sockets, 
discoloration of contacts, loose pin-type contacts, cracking or loose 
material of the polish and sealant of the bases, contaminants of the 
current sensor relays/sockets, and stuck material or roughness of the 
surface of the current sensor relay/pin-type contact. You may obtain 
further information by examining the MCAI in the AD docket.

Relevant Service Information

    Embraer has issued Service Bulletin 145-30-0052, dated August 2, 
2007; and Service Bulletin 145LEG-30-0019, dated August 28, 2007. The 
actions described in this service information are intended to correct 
the unsafe condition identified in the MCAI.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of This Proposed AD

    This product has been approved by the aviation authority of another 
country, and is approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant 
to our bilateral agreement with the State of Design Authority, we have 
been notified of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI and service 
information referenced above. We are proposing this AD because we 
evaluated all pertinent information and determined an unsafe condition 
exists and is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same 
type design.

Differences Between This AD and the MCAI or Service Information

    We have reviewed the MCAI and related service information and, in 
general, agree with their substance. But we might have found it 
necessary to use different words from those in the MCAI to ensure the 
AD is clear for U.S. operators and is enforceable. In making these 
changes, we do not intend to differ substantively from the information 
provided in the MCAI and related service information.
    We might also have proposed different actions in this AD from those 
in the MCAI in order to follow FAA policies. Any such differences are 
highlighted in a NOTE within the proposed AD.

Costs of Compliance

    Based on the service information, we estimate that this proposed AD 
would affect about 704 products of U.S. registry. We also estimate that 
it would take about 8 work-hours per product to comply with the basic 
requirements of

[[Page 23135]]

this proposed AD. The average labor rate is $80 per work-hour. Based on 
these figures, we estimate the cost of the proposed AD on U.S. 
operators to be $450,560, or $640 per product.

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.

Regulatory Findings

    We 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 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. 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.

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 FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new AD:

Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER): Docket No. FAA-
2008-0483; Directorate Identifier 2008-NM-006-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) We must receive comments by May 29, 2008.

Affected ADs

    (b) None.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Embraer Model EMB-135 airplanes and Model 
EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP 
airplanes; certificated in any category; having serial numbers 
145002 through 145362, 145364 through 145590, and 145592 through 
14500987.

Subject

    (d) Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code 30: Ice and 
Rain Protection.

Reason

    (e) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) 
states:
    It has been found the occurrence of smoke in the flight deck 
originated from Pitot 1/2 and TAT 1/2 current sensor relays and 
[their] respective sockets, caused by poor electrical contacts 
between those relays and their sockets.

The unsafe condition is that smoke in the flight deck may interfere 
with the flightcrew's ability to operate the airplane. Corrective 
actions include inspecting for damage of the Pitot 1 and 2 and TAT 1 
and 2 current sensor relays and sockets; and, as applicable, 
replacing the A1 and C1 electrical contacts of the sockets and 
reidentifying the sockets, replacing the sockets, and replacing 
current sensor relays. Damage may include melted points or stuck 
material of the silicone gasket, incorrect shape of the current 
sensor relay/sockets, discoloration of contacts, loose pin-type 
contacts, cracking or loose material of the polish and sealant of 
the bases, contaminants of the current sensor relays/sockets, and 
stuck material or roughness of the surface of the current sensor 
relay/pin-type contact.

Actions and Compliance

    (f) Within 2,500 flight hours or 24 months after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, unless already done, do the 
following actions in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions 
of Embraer Service Bulletin 145-30-0052, dated August 2, 2007; or 
Service Bulletin 145LEG-30-0019, dated August 28, 2007; as 
applicable. Do all applicable replacements and re-identification 
before further flight.
    (1) Perform a detailed inspection of the Pitot 1 (K0053), Pitot 
2 (K0054), TAT 1 (K0064), and TAT 2 (K0494) current sensor relays 
for possible damage caused by overheating in their contacts, 
enclosure, and finishing material.
    (i) If no damage is found on a current sensor relay, that relay 
may be reinstalled.
    (ii) If any damage is found on a current sensor relay, replace 
the relay with a new relay having the same part number (P/N) CS500-
060-D4A.
    (2) Perform a detailed inspection on the Pitot 1 (XK0053), Pitot 
2 (XK0054), TAT 1 (XK0064), and TAT 2 (XK0494) relay sockets for 
possible damage caused by overheating in their contacts, enclosure, 
and finishing material.
    (i) If no damage is found on a socket, replace electrical 
contacts A1 and C1 of the socket with new contacts having P/N 
M39029/92-536; re-identify the socket from P/N S500-9140 to S500-
9140-A; and re-identify the socket electrical code from XK0053, 
XK0054, XK0064, and XK0494, to XK1243, XK1242, XK1245, and XK1244, 
respectively.
    (ii) If any damage is found on a socket, replace the socket with 
a new socket having P/N S500-9140-A or S500-9216.

    Note 1: For the purpose of this AD, a detailed inspection (DET) 
is: ``An intensive examination of a specific item, installation or 
assembly to detect damage, failure or irregularity. Available 
lighting is normally supplemented with a direct source of good 
lighting at an intensity deemed appropriate. Inspection aids such as 
mirrors, magnifying lenses, etc., may be necessary. Surface cleaning 
and elaborate access procedures may be required.''

FAA AD Differences

    Note 2: This AD differs from the MCAI and/or service information 
as follows: No differences.

Other FAA AD Provisions

    (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD:
    (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, 
International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using 
the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: 
Sanjay Ralhan, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, 
Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1405; fax (425) 227-1149. 
Before using any approved AMOC on any airplane to which the AMOC 
applies, notify your appropriate principal inspector (PI) in the FAA 
Flight Standards District Office (FSDO), or lacking a PI, your local 
FSDO.
    (2) Airworthy Product: For any requirement in this AD to obtain 
corrective actions from a manufacturer or other source, use these 
actions if they are FAA-approved. Corrective actions are considered 
FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority 
(or their delegated agent). You are required to assure the product 
is airworthy before it is returned to service.

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    (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in 
this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information 
collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-
0056.

Related Information

    (h) Refer to MCAI Brazilian Airworthiness Directive 2007-11-
04R1, effective December 21, 2007; Embraer Service Bulletin 145-30-
0052, dated August 2, 2007; and Embraer Service Bulletin 145LEG-30-
0019, dated August 28, 2007; for related information.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on April 18, 2008.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
 [FR Doc. E8-9315 Filed 4-28-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P