Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Airplanes

We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 airplanes, and Model EMB-145, -145ER, -145MR, -145LR, -145MP, and - 145EP airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of a lightning strike hitting an airplane tail boom causing certain rear bulkhead parts to jam an elevator control rod. This proposed AD would require installing or reworking, as applicable, metallic diverters and aluminum sheets; modifying the lights assembly on the tail boom rear movable fairing; and replacing the hood assembly with a new hood assembly and rerouting its electrical harness. We are proposing this AD to prevent lightning strikes from causing certain parts to contact the airplane pitch control system, which could reduce airplane controllability.

Agency Contact: Todd Thompson, Aerospace Engineer, International Branch, ANM-116, Transport Airplane Directorate, FAA, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 227-1175; fax (425) 227-1149.