Airworthiness Directives; Empresa Brasileira de Aeronautica S.A. (EMBRAER) Model ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 Airplanes

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all EMBRAER Model ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 airplanes. This AD requires repetitive detailed inspections for blockage of the pitot drain holes of certain air data smart probes (ADSPs), removing accumulated moisture from the pneumatic passages of the ADSPs, related investigative actions, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD results from reports of erroneous air speed indications caused by blockage of the pitot sensors due to freezing of accumulated moisture in the ADSP pneumatic passages. We are issuing this AD to prevent an erroneous air speed indication, which could reduce the flightcrew's ability to control the airplane.