Action
Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
Summary
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (Embraer) Model EMB-135BJ, -135ER, - 135KE, -135KL, and -135LR airplanes; and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145XR, -145MP, and -145EP airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of main airspeed indication discrepancies during flight; these discrepancies resulted from ice blockages in certain pitot total pressure lines. This proposed AD would require an inspection for tube misalignment of the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assembly lines, and corrective actions if necessary; installation or replacement (as applicable) of a tube ribbon heater on the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 tube assembly lines; and revision of the airplane flight manual (AFM) to provide certain procedures and airspeed tables for the flightcrew. We are proposing this AD to detect and correct water accumulating and freezing in the pitot number 1 and pitot number 2 total pressure lines, which could result in erroneous main airspeed indications and consequent reduced ability of the flightcrew to maintain safe flight and landing of the airplane.