AD 2004-13-16

Applicability: Model EMB-135BJ series airplanes, as listed in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-78-0006, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2003; and Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes, as listed in EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-78-0035, Revision 02, dated January 31, 2003; certificated in any category.

Compliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously.

To prevent erroneous signals in the Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System (EICAS) caused by internal corrosion of the thrust reverser stow/transit switches, which could result in uncommanded loss of engine power in flight, or unnecessary aborted takeoffs on the ground, accomplish the following:

Initial and Repetitive Inspections, and Corrective Action, if Necessary

(a) For Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes: Prior to the accumulation of 2,000 total flight hours, or within 400 flight hours after September 5, 2001 (the effective date of AD 2001-17-03, amendment 39-12394), whichever occurs later, perform the inspection required by paragraph (b) of this AD and repeat the inspection at intervals not to exceed 1,200 flight hours.

(b) For Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes: Inspect each of the six stow/transit switches on the #1 and #2 engine thrust reversers by conducting a megohmmeter test to measure insulation resistance according to the Accomplishment Instructions of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-78-0029, dated February 2, 2001. If insulation resistance measures 100 megohms or less, before further flight, replace the switch with a new switch in accordance with the service bulletin.

Spares

(c) For Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes: As of September 5, 2001, no person shall install, on any airplane, a stow/transit switch part number 83-990-137 or 83-990-152 unless it has been inspected in accordance with this AD.

Service Bulletin Reference

(d) The term “service bulletin,” as used in the remainder of this AD, means the Accomplishment Instructions of the following service bulletins, as applicable:

(1) For Model EMB-135BJ series airplanes: EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-78-0006, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2003; and

(2) For Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes: EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-78-0035, Revision 02, dated January 31, 2003.

Terminating Action

(e) Install new transit switches having part number 83-990-168, on both engines of the airplane, at the time indicated in paragraph (e)(1) or (e)(2), as applicable, in accordance with the applicable service bulletin. Accomplishment of the new part installation constitutes terminating action for the inspections required by paragraph (a) of this AD.

(1) For airplanes on which the inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD has been accomplished: Within 1,200 flight hours from the completion of the last inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD, or within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

(2) For airplanes on which any inspection required by paragraph (a) of this AD has not been accomplished: Prior to the accumulation of 2,000 total flight hours, or within 400 flight hours after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.

Actions Accomplished per Previous Issue of Service Bulletin

(f) Installation of new transit switches having part number 83-990-168 on both engines of the airplane accomplished before the effective date of this AD, in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-78-0035, dated October 4, 2002; EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-78-0035, Revision 01, dated December 11, 2002; or EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-78-0006, dated January 13, 2003; as applicable; is considered acceptable for compliance with the terminating action required by paragraph (e) of this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance

(g) 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

(h) Unless otherwise specified in this AD, the actions shall be done in accordance with EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-78-0029, dated February 2, 2001; EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-78-0035, Revision 02, dated January 31, 2003; and EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-78-0006, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2003; as applicable. EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-78-0035, Revision 02, dated January 31, 2003, contains the following effective pages:

EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-78-0006, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2003, contains the following effective pages:

(1) The incorporation by reference of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-78-0035, Revision 02, dated January 31, 2003; and EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145LEG-78-0006, Revision 01, dated January 31, 2003; is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.

(2) The incorporation by reference of EMBRAER Service Bulletin 145-78-0029, dated February 2, 2001, was approved previously by the Director of the Federal Register as of September 5, 2001 (66 FR 43766, August 21, 2001).

(3) 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 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 1:

The subject of this AD is addressed in Brazilian airworthiness directive 2001-05-03R3, dated April 22, 2003.

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