AD 81-14-01

81-14-01 EMBRAER: Amendment 39-4145. Models EMB-110P1 and EMB-110P2, Serial Numbers 110001 through 110226, certificated in all categories.

Compliance is required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent failure of the rudder upper hinge support and associated structure of the vertical stabilizer, accomplish the following within the next 100 hours time in service after the effective date of the AD:

(a) Remove the two existing rudder leading edge fairings adjacent to the rudder upper hinge and conduct a dye-penetrant inspection of the entire rudder upper hinge support (fin side).

(b) If the inspection reveals no cracks or only small cracks limited to Area "A" (See Figure 1), reinforce the support as indicated in Figure 2 and in accordance with the instructions contained in EMBRAER Service Bulletin Number 110-55-017, dated December 11, 1980.

(c) If one or more cracks are found in other areas of the hinge support, replace the rudder upper hinge support with a new support (P/N 110-3348) in accordance with the instructions contained in EMBRAER Service Bulletin Number 110-55-017, dated December 11, 1980.

(d) Make appropriate maintenance record entry.

An equivalent method of compliance may be approved by the Chief, Engineering and Manufacturing Branch, Federal Aviation Administration, Southern Region.

This amendment becomes effective July 1, 1981.