AD/ERJ-170/15 Pressure Equalisation Valve (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Embraer ERJ-170 Series Aeroplanes

AD/ERJ-170/15 Pressure Equalisation Valve 5/2008

Applicability:

Embraer ERJ-170 aircraft; serial numbers (S/N) 17000002, 17000004 thru 17000013, and 17000015 thru 17000154 inclusive.

Requirement:

1.    Perform a general visual inspection (GVI) on the left-hand bulkhead blow-out panel on both the forward and aft cargo compartments to check whether the pressure equalization valves part number (P/N) 120-48865-003 are installed.  If both pressure equalization valves are installed in their respective blow-out panels, no additional action is required by this AD.

2.    If either valve is missing, install the missing valves P/N 120-48865-003 in accordance with Embraer Service Bulletin No. 170-21-0032 original issue, or later revision approved by the ANAC.

For the purpose of this AD, a GVI is: “A visual examination of an interior or exterior area, installation or assembly to detect obvious damage, failure or irregularity.  This level of inspection is made from within touching distance, unless otherwise specified.  A mirror may be necessary to enhance visual access to all exposed surfaces in the inspection area.  This level of inspection is made under normally available lighting conditions such as daylight, hangar lighting, flashlight or drop-light, and may require removal or opening of access panels or doors.  Stands, ladders or platforms may be required to gain proximity to the area being checked.”

Note:  AGÊNCIA NACIONAL DE AVIAÇÃO CIVIL - BRAZIL AD 2007-11-01 dated 12 December 2007 refers.

Compliance:

1.    Within the next 500 Flight Hours (FH) after the effective date of this AD, unless previously accomplished.

2.    Within the next 700 FH after the effective date of this AD.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 8 May 2008.

Background: It has been noticed that the pressure equalization valve was not installed in the left-hand bulkhead blow-out panel, on the forward and/or aft cargo compartments, thus affecting the effectiveness of the fire detection, containment and suppression system.

David Punshon
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

6 March 2008