Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model EMB-135 and -145 Series Airplanes

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to certain EMBRAER Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes, that requires operators to inspect the pitot-true air temperature (TAT) relays and the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) electronic interface resistor modules to detect contamination. This AD also requires operators to perform corrective action if necessary, clean the relay/connector pins and sockets, modify the seal between the cockpit console panels and the storm window, and/or install a new protective frame (protective sheets) at the cockpit relay supports. This action is necessary to detect and correct oxidation of the pitot-TAT relay, which could result in increased resistance and overheating of the relay and consequent smoke in the cockpit; and to detect and correct oxidation of the FADEC electronic interface resistor modules, which could result in in-flight uncommanded engine power roll back to idle. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.