Summary
This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes. The proposed AD would have required performing repetitive inspections for cracks, ruptures, or bends in certain components of the elevator control system; replacing discrepant components; and, for certain airplanes, installing a new spring cartridge and implementing new logic for the electromechanical gust lock system. The proposed AD also would have required eventual modification of the elevator gust lock system to replace the mechanical system with an electromechanical system, which would terminate the repetitive inspections. This new action revises the proposed rule by requiring installing a new spring cartridge and implementing new logic for the electromechanical gust lock system on additional airplanes. The actions specified by this new proposed AD are intended to prevent discrepancies in the elevator control system, which could result in reduced control of the elevator and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.