Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-145 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-145 series airplanes, that requires inspection of the bolts on the hinge fittings that attach the spring tab and the servo tab to the rear spar of the elevators for evidence of loosening; inspection of the region of the hinge fittings on the spring tab for interference of the bonding jumpers attached to the hinge fittings with the leading edge of the spring tab; and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign airworthiness authority. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the spring tab or the servo tab from becoming disconnected, resulting in structural failure. The action is also intended to prevent damage to the leading edge of the spring tab, which could result in loss of control of the elevator.