Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-120 Series Airplanes

AGENCY:

Federal Aviation Administration, DOT.

ACTION:

Final rule.

SUMMARY:

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-120 series airplanes, that requires a one-time inspection of the access door ramp of the fueling control panel for damage or deformation, and applicable corrective actions. This action is necessary to prevent inadvertent fuel transfer in flight due to fuel service personnel not repositioning the defuel valve switch control to the closed position after utilization on the ground, which could cause in-flight fuel starvation. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES:

Effective August 3, 2004.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of August 3, 2004.

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 the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Dan Rodina, Aerospace Engineer; International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington 98055-4056; telephone (425) 227-2125; fax (425) 227-1149.

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 April 6, 2004 (69 FR 17989). That action required a one-time inspection of the access door ramp of the fueling control panel for damage or deformation, and applicable corrective actions.

Comments

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. No comments have been submitted on the proposed AD or on the determination of the cost to the public.

Conclusion

After careful review of the available data, 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 220 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD, that it will take approximately 4 work hours per airplane to accomplish each required action, and that the average labor rate is $65 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $200 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the AD on U.S. operators is estimated to be $101,200, or $460 per airplane.

The cost impact figure discussed above is 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. 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 adopted herein will 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 final rule does not have federalism implications under Executive Order 13132.

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.

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

2004-13-13 Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER): Amendment 39-13695. Docket 2003-NM-65-AD.

Applicability: Model EMB-120 series airplanes, serial numbers 120003, 120004, and 120006 through 120358 inclusive; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent inadvertent fuel transfer in flight due to fuel service personnel not repositioning the defuel valve switch control to the closed position after utilization on the ground, which could cause in-flight fuel starvation, accomplish the following:

Inspection of Existing Ramp and Corrective Actions

(a) For airplanes that have a ramp on the access door of the fueling control panel: Within 1,200 flight hours or 8 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, perform a general visual inspection of the access door ramp for damage or deformation; and do all applicable corrective actions by accomplishing all the actions in accordance with paragraph 2.2.3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-57-0038, dated June 26, 2002. Do the actions per the service bulletin. Accomplish any applicable corrective actions before further flight.

Note 1:

For the purposes of this AD, a general visual inspection is defined as: “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 enhance visual access to all exposed 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.”

Modification

(b) For airplanes that do not have a ramp on the access door of the fueling control panel: Within 1,200 flight hours or 8 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs first, modify the access door by accomplishing all the actions in paragraph 2.1.3 of the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-57-0038, dated June 26, 2002. Do the actions per the service bulletin. Accomplish any applicable corrective actions before further flight.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(c) In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, the Manager, International Branch, ANM-116, FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, is authorized to approve alternative methods of compliance for this AD.

Incorporation by Reference

(d) The actions shall be done in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-57-0038, dated June 26, 2002. 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 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transport Airplane Directorate, Rules Docket, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, Washington; or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call (202) 741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.

Note 2:

The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian airworthiness directive 2002-12-02, effective January 6, 2003.

Effective Date

(e) This amendment becomes effective on August 3, 2004.