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 to detect wear of the hydraulic pump hoses, and corrective action, if necessary. This AD also requires relocation of the clip that secures the left forward hold-open rod of both nacelles. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent chafing and consequent rupture of the hydraulic line and loss of hydraulic pressure, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.

DATES:

Effective December 20, 2000.

The incorporation by reference of certain publications listed in the regulations is approved by the Director of the Federal Register as of December 20, 2000.

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 FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Robert Capezzuto, Aerospace Engineer, Systems and Flight Test Branch, ACE-116A, FAA, Atlanta Aircraft Certification Office, One Crown Center, 1895 Phoenix Boulevard, suite 450, Atlanta, Georgia 30349; telephone (770) 703-6071; fax (770) 703-6097.

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 July 26, 2000 (65 FR 45934). That action proposed to require a one-time inspection to detect wear of the hydraulic pump hoses, and corrective action, if necessary. That action also proposed to require relocation of the clip that secures the left forward hold-open rod of both nacelles.

Interested persons have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the making of this amendment. Due consideration has been given to the single comment received.

Request for Inclusion of Alternative Methods of Compliance

The commenter requests that the proposed rule be revised to include alternative methods of accomplishing the actions other than those specified in the service bulletin referenced in the proposed rule. The commenter explains that it has accomplished both actions required by the proposed rule using other methods of accomplishment.

The FAA does not concur with the commenter's request to include alternative methods of compliance in the final rule. However, the FAA would consider a request for an approval of an alternative method of compliance in accordance with the provision of paragraph (c) of this AD, provided that appropriate justification accompanies the request.

Conclusion

After careful review of the available data, including the comment noted above, 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 200 airplanes of U.S. registry will be affected by this AD.

It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to inspect the hydraulic hoses, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the inspection on U.S. operators is estimated to be $12,000, or $60 per airplane.

It will take approximately 1 work hour per airplane to relocate the clip, at an average labor rate of $60 per work hour. Required parts will cost approximately $15 per airplane. Based on these figures, the cost impact of the clip relocation on U.S. operators is estimated to be $15,000, or $75 per airplane.

The cost impact figures discussed above are 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:

2000-23-09 Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER): Amendment 39-11979. Docket 2000-NM-133-AD.

Applicability: Model EMB-120 series airplanes, certificated in any category, having serial numbers listed in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-29-0047, Change 01, dated October 22, 1996.

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 rupture of the hydraulic line and loss of hydraulic pressure due to chafing, which could result in reduced controllability of the airplane, accomplish the following:

Inspection and Corrective Actions

(a) Within 75 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, perform a general visual inspection to detect discrepancies (wear, chafing, or scores) of all hydraulic pump hoses installed in both nacelles, in accordance with Part I of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-29-0047, Change 01, dated October 22, 1996. Prior to further flight, perform all applicable corrective actions in accordance with the service bulletin.

Note 2:

Accomplishment, prior to the effective date of this AD, of the inspection in accordance with Part I of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-29-0047, dated August 22, 1996, is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of paragraph (a) of this AD.

Note 3:

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 under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight, or drop-light, 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.”

Clip Relocation

(b) Within 75 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, relocate the clip that secures the left forward hold-open rod of both nacelles in accordance with Part II of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-29-0047, Change 01, dated October 22, 1996.

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 4:

Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the 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.

Incorporation by Reference

(e) The actions shall be done in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 120-29-0047, Change 01, dated October 22, 1996. 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 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; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC.

Note 5:

The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian airworthiness directive 96-12-01, dated December 13, 1996.

(f) This amendment becomes effective on December 20, 2000.