Issue No.

02 January 2007

January 2007

Issue No. 02

From the Editor

E-JETS NEWS is a publication that presents EMBRAER 170/190 aircraft technical items. This newsletter, compiled by the EMBRAER Fleet Technical Center (EFTC), brings the latest developments and shares in-service knowledge and best maintenance practices. It also provides troubleshooting tips to optimize aircraft utilization and efficiency in daily operation. E-JETS NEWS addresses the Operators concerns with maintenance support and dispatchability of EMBRAER 170/190 aircraft. It has relevant information to be shared with the technical departments, such as Engineering and Maintenance. Recipients are encouraged to distribute this newsletter to EMBRAER Customers. If any additional information regarding the in-service items covered in the E-JETS NEWS is needed, please contact the local EMBRAER Field Service Representative. General questions or comments about the E-JETS NEWS publication can be address to:

E-JETS NEWS Tel: Fax: +55 12 3927 5762 +55 12 3927 5996

E-mail: ejets.news@embraer.com.br

PROPRIETARY NOTICE The articles published in E-JETS NEWS are for information only and are an EMBRAER S/A property. This newsletter must not be reproduced or distributed in whole or in part to a third party without EMBRAERs written consent. Also, no article published should be considered authority-approved data, unless specifically stated.

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January 2007

Issue No. 02

Alternative procedure for Main Landing Gear Shock Strut servicing

Effectivity: EMBRAER 190 The EMBRAER 190/195 Main Landing Gear shock strut servicing can be accomplished when the aircraft is with its weight on wheels (on ground) or when it is on jacks. If the aircraft is on jacks, there is no special tool requirement and the standard equipment, such as the hydraulic reservoir servicing unit and the nitrogen servicing regulator/cylinder, can be used. However, if the aircraft is on the ground, it is necessary to transfer a certain quantity of hydraulic fluid to the oil chamber of the shock strut. This transfer is only possible with the shock strut oil replenishment trolley (GSE 384) which is connected to the shock strut through the filling connection. The shock strut oil replenishment trolley allows setting the correct quantity of fluid to enable the filling process to be carried out with the screw pump handle on the trolley. AMM references: 12-12-07-600-801-B - Main-Landing Gear Shock Strut with the Aircraft on the Ground with GSE; 12-12-07-600-802-A Main-Landing Gear Shock Strut with the Aircraft on Jacks.

New Baggage Floor Lining

Compartment

Effectivity: EMBRAER 170 / 190 Embraer is about to deliver its first aircraft using polycarbonate sheets as lining material on the floors of the forward and aft baggage compartments. Because of its superior durability and smooth appearance, polycarbonate sheets (Lexan) were considered a good option to replace Aermat carpets. Aermat carpets can be replaced with polycarbonate sheets (Lexan) by accomplishing SB190-50-0005 upon request. For EMBRAER 170 aircraft, contact your local EMBRAER representative.

ENG REF ECS DISAG Messages

Effectivity: EMBRAER 170 / 190 EMBRAER has received reports concerning the display of ENG REF ECS DISAG messages on the CAS after both engines have started. This may occur because of the delay in the opening of the flow control valves (FCV) after the APU-to-Engine transition. EMBRAER AMS engineering, together with Hamilton Sundstrand, are investigating the occurrences to determine the root causes and corrective solutions. Nevertheless, the message is automatically removed from the CAS as soon as the pack air flow returns to normal, which can take a few seconds. So far, this event has required no maintenance actions.
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An alternate task has been recently created which can be performed with the aircraft on the ground, without the need of GSE 384. The main benefit brought by this alternate task is that it can be accomplished in outstations where resources are limited, or whenever GSE 384 is not available. It is important to note that this alternate task uses about the same man-power as the original procedure, but does not replace it. AMM reference: 12-12-07-600-803-A Main-LandingGear Shock Strut with the Aircraft on the Ground without GSE.

January 2007

Issue No. 02
Extended temperature range Rubber material qualified and in service on Boeing application

EMBRAER 190 Flap Jamming Update

Effectivity: EMBRAER 190 As informed in the last edition of E-JETS NEWS (December 2006), EMBRAER 190 fleet had experienced four events of flap jamming during the approach flight phase. The FLAP FAIL message was shown on the CAS in some of the events. The results of the tests performed to duplicate the reported events have revealed that inadequate greasing of the actuator dynamic seals results in the premature wear of the seals. This premature wear allowed moisture ingress in the actuator, causing corrosion on the output bearing, which led to flap actuator jamming.

Cabin Altitude in amber on ground at high altitudes airports

Effectivity: EMBRAER 170 / 190 While operating at airports located at high altitudes, pilots have noticed that the Cabin Altitude indication on the CAS is displayed on an amber background (inverse video). This occurs because of the systems logic, when the aircraft is on the ground at airports that have an altitude (AIRFIELD_ALT) above 8,100ft. A FOL 170-2007-006 was issued to inform about this scenario. The solution is software-based and will be implemented in a future version of MAU Software EPIC Load.

Low Stage Bleed Check Valve Update

Effectivity: EMBRAER 190 As an immediate action, an improved greasing procedure for the actuators has been incorporated in the Microtecnica production process to ensure proper greasing of seals and bearings during assembly of the actuators. EMBRAER and Hamilton Sundstrand issued SB19027-0010 requesting the re-greasing of all flap actuators In parallel, a sampling program shall be undertaken in order to collect samples from EMBRAER 190 fleet to evaluate the in-services actuators as well as to substantiate further improvements in the actuator design, if required. A new flap actuator shall be designed with improved seal design: Garter spring and reinforcing shoulder made of stainless steel Additional lip on the external side
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In the first edition of E-JETS NEWS, EMBRAER published an article about the low-stage bleed check valve used on the EMBRAER 190 aircraft. The Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority (ANAC) issued an AD mandating the replacement of the right-hand low check valve, within the next 100 FH, on all EMBRAER 190 / 195 aircraft that had logged more than 1500 FH. In November 2006, SB 190-36-0004 was revised to comply with the AD text. The AD is being revised by ANAC in order to include the recommendations for the left-hand low-stage check valve. EMBRAER will revise the SB 190-360004 as soon as the AD revision is released. The SB with the new check valve PN 1001447-4 is scheduled for May 2007.

January 2007

Issue No. 02
possibility of breakage; the introduction of a wider backshell for connector P304; and the use of new insulation tape for the backshells internal wires. Update (January, 2007): - APU Harness (PN4505113B) on the production line - aircraft 170.0142 and on / aircraft 190.0046 and on. - APU Harness PN M4505113 and PN M4505113A are repaired units and equivalent to PN 4505113B (ref: see HSPS SB-RSI-094).

APU Ignition System/ ESC/ Harness Updates

Effectivity: EMBRAER 170 The main purpose of this article is to provide an update of APU issues. 1-) APU ignition system (igniters and ignition cables): New igniter and ignition cables will be released in order to minimize the premature wear of the igniter and eliminate the contact failure in the ignition cable connector. Update (January, 2007): - SB 4505000-49-5 (igniter) expected to be available in March/07. - 300 units of the new igniter PN 4952846 will be made available in March/07 to start the retrofit campaign and to support the production line. - SB 4505000-49-7 (igniter cable) th available (August 16 , 2006) on the production line and field.

CF34-10E Thrust Reverser (T/R) No Stow Update

Effectivity: EMBRAER 190 As previously informed in the last edition of E-JETS NEWS (December 2006), EMBRAER 190 fleet have experienced some T/R no stow events. One T/R involved in these events was removed from the engine and sent to Middle River Aircraft Systems (MRAS), where tests were performed to investigate the root cause. The root cause has not yet been identified, but it may be a combination of causes such as friction, rigging and temperature effects on the track liner/slider. Additional tests are scheduled for February 2007. As a mitigating action, and to improve the troubleshooting procedures for the T/R No Stow events until the root cause is determined, EMBRAER and GE/Goodrich have respectively released: 1. EMBRAER 190 FIM Temporary Revision 73-21-00-810-992-A (DCU fault in Deployed State); 2. GE CF34-10E SB 78-0005 (NACELLE (78-30-01) - Fan Reverser Track Liner Lubrication) 3. All Operators Letter (AOL), Goodrich AOL EMB/190/195 CF34-1002.

2-) Electronic Starter Controller (ESC): The ESC "B" build improves the ESC performance by the introduction of load distribution plates for the relay stud terminals and by the change of the internal circuitry to prevent damage caused by a shoot-through. The ESC "C" build is expected to be released in the 1Q of 2008 and shall focus on the APU troubleshooting characteristics. Update (January, 2007): - ESC Mod B (PN 4505005B) is available in the field since mid-November/06. - ESC Mod B (PN 4505005B) on the production line - aircraft 170.0152 and on / aircraft 190.0053 and on.

3-) APU harness: A new part number was created to reinforce the APU harness mechanical characteristics. The basic changes were: the specification of lower assembly torque values for the backshells to reduce the

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January 2007

Issue No. 02
- Thereafter repeatedly every 600 Flight Hours. The periodic inspection may be discontinued provided that a new PN is installed, which is presently under analysis. It will be introduced by another SB.

Firewall Hydraulic Shutoff Valve (FWSOV) inspection

Effectivity: EMBRAER 170 / 190 FWSOV removals were recorded during the 3000 FH periodic operational check, as the valve did not actuate open / closed. Shop findings revealed a pinched wire inside the FWSOV actuator, allowing bare metal of the wiring to come in contact with the actuator housing causing a short circuit. From FWSOV SN 0389 and on, the manufacture processes were improved and personnel were trained to properly route the wires to prevent a wire pinching occurrence. Prior to final assembly, a lacing cord is used to tie the wires.

SF-ACE R. 13 Software Improvements

Effectivity: EMBRAER 170/190 EMBRAER would like to inform operators about the new SF-ACE software R-13 already available for upgrading. The main improvements of SF-ACE R-13 software include: - Improvement in the robustness of the SF-ACE to reduce spurious fault indications from the sensors. - Reduction of unnecessary SFACE removals by 50% thanks to the enhancement of fault isolation messages. - Enhancement of sensor fault isolation for the skew sensors. - Implementation of automatic motion recovery followed by momentary power interruptions. For further details, refer to SB 170-270022 and 190-27-0004.

Investigation of other returned units revealed vibration wear on the insulation of the wires inside the FWSOV actuator, allowing bare metal to come in contact with the actuator housing causing a short circuit. Improvement is currently under analysis. As an interim action, SB170-29-0013 and SB190-29-0008 were issued in December 2006 to verify accomplishing a simple operational test of the FWSOV (refer to the AMM TASK 29-11-11-710801-A/500 - Firewall Hydraulic Shutoff Valve - Manual Operation - Operational Test) and replace it with another valve bearing the same PN, if necessary. These SBs are likely to be covered by an AD in February 2007. As regards compliance, ANAC is considering the following: - Accomplishment of the SB initially within the next 200 Flight Hours;

Possibility of Red Beacon Lights misfires due to cold soak

Effectivity: EMBRAER 170 /190 EMBRAER has released new SNL 17033-0012 and SNL190-33-0018 about the possibility of red beacon light misfire being cause by exposure of the aircraft to extreme cold temperatures on the ground (cold soak). It also contains the workaround procedure to recover the Red Beacon normal operation, recommendations to prevent other occurrences, and additional information regarding the affected technical publications.
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January 2007

Issue No. 02

Thrust Reverser Blanket Warranties

Effectivity: EMBRAER 170

Thermal

During Engine-Driven Pump installation, it was observed that the V-Clamp bolt may be installed with a minimal clearance from the Thrust Reversers Thermal Blanket. The shifting of thermal insulation from its correct position causes its ballooning and a wear can occur to it due to the chafing with the V-Clamp bolt. To prevent this, EMBRAER has issued SNL 170-71-0004 - "Thrust Reverser Thermal Blanket Damage" and SB170-29-0012 "Engine-Driven Pump Clamp Repositioning". In addition, AMM task 2911-01-400-801-A was revised to show the correct positioning of the clamp. Compliance with the above-mentioned publications ensures fire protection integrity of the core cowls. The clamps correct position can be observed on the following drawings:

From a commercial standpoint, GE/MHD will continue to honor the Thermal Blanket warranty claims received before March 2nd, 2007. After this date, Thermal Blanket warranty coverage will not be provided to cover removed parts due to contact with the V-clamp since the above recommendation is intended to avoid the described scenario. Exceptions will be analyzed by GE/MHD on a case-by-case basis.

Slat Lubrication
Effectivity: EMBRAER 170 / 190 EMBRAER has received in-service reports concerning slat lubrication tasks which are not regularly accomplished. This may cause slat jamming occasionally. EMBRAER emphasizes the importance of the accomplishment of the following tasks: - MRB task 27-81-11-001 Lubrication of Slat Rack and Pinion Mechanism Needle Rollers - Interval of 2400 FH. - SB 170-27-0020 (SB190-270002) - Flight Control Slat Lubrication for aircraft with less than 2400 FH.

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January 2007

Issue No. 02

Acronyms
AD = Airworthiness Directive AMM = Aircraft Maintenance Manual AMS = Air Management System ANAC = Agncia Nacional de Aviao Civil (Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority) APU = Auxiliary Power Unit CAS = Crew Alerting System DCU = Direction Control Unit ECS = Environmental Control System ESC = Electronic Starter Controller FC = Flight Cycles FCV = Flow Control Valve FH = Flight Hours FIM = Fault Isolation Manual FOL = Flight Operations Letter FWSOV = Firewall Shut-off Valve GSE = Ground Support Equipment LP = Low Pressure MRB = Maintenance Review Board PN = Part Number SB = Service Bulletin SF-ACE = Slat-Flap Actuator Control Electronic SN = Serial Number SNL = Service NewsLetter T/R = Thrust Reverser

Note: All abbreviations used by EMBRAER Maintenance Manuals can be found in the Introduction of AMM Part II.

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