Action
Supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); reopening of comment period.
Summary
We are revising an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Model EMB-135 airplanes and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes. The NPRM proposed to require a detailed inspection for chafing on the electrical harness of each electrical fuel pump in the fuel tanks, replacement of the affected electrical fuel pump with a new or serviceable pump if necessary, and installation of clamps on the fuel pump electrical harnesses. The NPRM was prompted by a report of chafing found between the fuel pump electrical harness and the fuel pump tubing during scheduled maintenance. This action revises the NPRM by expanding the proposed applicability and revising the compliance time for the detailed inspection. We are proposing this supplemental NPRM (SNPRM) to detect and correct chafing of the fuel pump harnesses with other parts inside the fuel tank, which could present a potential ignition source that could result in a fire or fuel tank explosion. Since certain actions impose an additional burden over those proposed in the NPRM, we are reopening the comment period to allow the public the chance to comment on these proposed changes.