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

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to all Model EMB-135 and -145 series airplanes, that currently requires repetitive inspections to detect discrepancies of both vertical-to-horizontal stabilizer bonding jumpers and the connecting support structure, and corrective action if necessary. This amendment requires modification of the bonding jumpers, including the installation of a protective cover to the elevator control cables, which terminates the requirements of the existing AD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent damaged or severed bonding jumpers, which, in the event of a lightning strike, could result in severed elevator control cables and consequent reduced elevator control capability and reduced controllability of the airplane. This action is intended to address the identified unsafe condition.