Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-145 series airplanes. This proposal would require a one-time inspection to detect bulging or cracking of the pitot 1 and pitot 2 drain tubes in the forward electronic compartment; and cleaning the tubes or replacing drain tubes with new tubes, if necessary. This proposal also requires modification of the pitot/static system. This proposal is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect and correct bulging and cracking of the pitot 1 and pitot 2 drain tubes in the forward electronic compartment caused by cycles of water freezing and expanding inside the tubes, which could result in erroneous airspeed indications to the flight crew and reduced operational safety in all phases of flight.