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

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to all EMBRAER Model EMB-145 series airplanes. This action requires repetitive emergency extension (free-fall) functional tests of the nose landing gear (NLG), and lubrication of all NLG hinge points, to ensure that the NLG extends and locks down properly; and corrective action, if necessary. This amendment is prompted by issuance of mandatory continuing airworthiness information by a foreign civil airworthiness authority. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent failure of the NLG to extend and lock down properly, which could result in damage to the airplane structure, and consequent reduced controllability of the airplane upon landing.