operator e-jets news rel 27

Issue No. 27 – February 2009

Issue No. 27 February 2009

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From the Editor

E-Jets NEWS is a publication that presents EMBRAER 170/190 aircraft technical items. This newsletter, compiled by Embraer Fleet Technical Center (EFTC), brings the latest developments and shares in-service knowledge and maintenance best 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.

Earlier editions of E-Jets NEWS publication can be found at Flyembraer Portal at

http://www.flyembraer.com

- Login (enter username and password);

- Select “Maintenance” and then “Technical Support”;

- Select “E-Jets NEWS for Operators”;

- Click on desired E-Jets NEWS.

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 addressed to:

E-Jets NEWS

Tel: +55 12 3927 7075

Fax: +55 12 3927 5996

E-mail: [email protected]

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 EMBRAER’s written consent. Also, no article published should be considered authority-approved data, unless specifically stated.


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SAGEM QAR – Configuration File – ERRATA

Effectivity: EMBRAER 170 / 190

As regards the article referred to above and published in E-Jets NEWS Release No.26, please disregard the previous text and instead consider the one presented herein as follows:

To properly record flight data, the SAGEM QAR requires the installation of a configuration file (the related instructions are described in the QAR AMM Installation Task). This file configures the parameters to be recorded, the recording mode (Simple or Continuous), the Start/ Stop logic, etc.

Embraer provides a standard configuration file free of charge that can be downloaded from www.flyembraer.com (see SNLs 170-31-0007 and 190-31-0003 for the required instructions). In this case all the parameters available in the QAR input busses (ARINC 717 and ARINC 429) are configured to be recorded. Also, it is set for continuous recording mode and the start / stop logic is related to the engine status (running or not).

This configuration file can be customized in accordance with the operators’ needs using a SAGEM’s software tool (GSE 309). In summary, there are two ways to perform this customization:

1- The operator can purchase GSE 309 and perform it. In this case the operator needs to contact SAGEM for the required technical support; or

2- The operator can contact the SAGEM customer support and request customization.

DV-Window – Scratches Caused by Sunshade Handling


Instances have been reported to Embraer that the handling of the cockpit sunshade has been scratching the DV-Window. The end cap of the sunshade rod is hard and its friction against the surface may cause the scratches.

Embraer is seeking a change of the end cap material for a softer one.

Meanwhile, the only way to prevent such scratches is to exercise care when moving the sunshade up and then down.

Instead of moving the sunshade close to the window surface, move it by keeping a distance from the window, such as making a half-circle from bottom to top and vice versa.

scratch


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If any scratch is seen in the DV-Windows, refer to CMM 56-10-02 for allowable damage and repair.

SNL 170-34-0021 / 190-34-0019 – Total Air Temperature (TAT) Failure Revision


The aforementioned SNLs have been revised to present the implementation plan for TAT Part Number 102AW1AF-1.

The detailed retrofit campaign schedule is currently in discussion with Goodrich and it is planned to be released to the customers by March 2009. The retrofit is expected to start in April 2009, depending on the certification paperwork approvals.

The retrofit will be a removing-and-replacing action based on rotable units and the Service Bulletin will contain instructions to ship the removed units back to Goodrich for upgrading.

EMBRAER 170/190 Firewall Shutoff Valve (FWSOV) Actuator Replacement with PN 975287-701


Embraer has introduced new Hydraulic Firewall Shutoff Valve (FWSOV) PN 975287-7. The production line effectivity is SN 17000225 and on for EMBRAER 170/175 and SN 19000230 and on for EMBRAER 190/195. ANAC Brazilian Airworthiness Directives 2007-02-01R1 (EMBRAER 170/175) and 2007-02-02R1 (EMBRAER 190/195) will be revised to inform of the introduction of FWSOV PN 975287-7 as the terminative action. Currently, a 600 FH operational check must be performed as per SB 170-29-0013 and SB 190-29-0008.

For aircraft in operation, Embraer has issued Service Bulletins 170-29-0024 and 190-29-0021 allowing operators to upgrade FWSOV PN 975287-3 and PN 975287-5 to FWSOV PN 975287-7 through the replacement of FWSOV Actuator. As per SBs, FWSOV PN 975287-3 will be broken down and have actuator replaced by PN 975287-701, while FWSOV PN 975287-5 will have actuator PN 975287-501 replaced by PN 975287-701.

Embraer has issued Parts Information Letters (PIL) 170-29-0008 and 190-29-0008 to inform about the availability of new FWSOV Actuator. The retrofit will be performed free of charge on a rotable basis.


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For aircraft equipped with FWSOV PN 975287-3, after SB 170-29-0024 or 190-29-0021 accomplishment, the FWSOV valve body will be identified as PN 975287-7 with the original assembly SN. The actuator PN will be 975287-701 with a different and distinct SN stamped.

It will be possible to register and trace the two PNs separately. PN 975287-7 will be still related to the assembly (Valve + Actuator). Considering that there is no individual PN only for the valve body, both LRUs will be received when PN 975287-7 is ordered. If the Actuator replacement is necessary in the future, the SN of the assembly will remain the same (stamped in the valve body) and FWSOV Actuator will be different. The valve body and the actuator will become independent components; therefore there is no need of matching the original valve body with the original actuator.

P-ACE Rigging Data Loss due to Battery Discharge


Embraer Service Newsletters 170-27-0019 and 190-27-0010, issued in February 2006, inform operators that P-ACEs may lose rigging data if the main batteries are discharged, and the final fix for this issue is new P-ACE 7028273-802 (EMBRAER 170) and 7028273-822 (EMBRAER 190).

However, Embraer has been informed by some operators that airplanes equipped with the new P-ACE are also reporting the "FLT CTRL NO DISPATCH" CAS message due to main battery discharge. An investigation is being conducted addressing this issue.

In order to prevent P-ACEs from losing rigging data and, therefore, causing "FLT CTRL NO DISPATCH" CAS message, Embraer recommends following the correct aircraft battery usage as per SNL 170-24-007 and 190-24-0004.

Service Newsletters 170-27-0019 and 190-27-0010 will be updated to inform that the new P-ACE can also be affected by this failure mode.

Allowable Damage Limitations for Pax Seat Pan


Embraer has issued SNLs 170-25-0031 and 190-25-0024 in order to inform operator of allowable limits for cracks that may be found in the pax seat pan during maintenance activities. The seat pan is easily reached by removing the bottom seat cushion. Refer to those SNLs for detailed information.


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Spurious Messages - Service Newsletters Revision


Embraer has released new revisions for Service Newsletters 170-45-0005 (Rev. 8) and 190-45-0005 (Rev. 9). New spurious maintenance messages detected related to chapters 21 and 24 were included in the respective table.

APU Master Switch: Worn Detents


Embraer received some reports of APU master switches (located on the APU overhead panel: AIPC 49-00-01 ITEM 120) with worn detents that are driving APU MEL in one particular operator.

The rotary switch has detents (pull-to-turn or isolation function) between OFF, ON and START positions; spring-loaded from START to ON position. The reports point to the detents being worn out (isolation function only) with the switch still being functionally operative and the spring-loaded feature from START to ON function not being affected.

Investigation on some of the removed switches led to the conclusion that damage is due to excessive force applied to the switch. In some cases the switch is not being pulled backward enough to overcome the isolator, which causes wear and damage to this internal part.

Field technical personnel are requested to submit a report to 170 Propulsion EFTC ([email protected]) in case the operator is facing similar situation.

Additionally, in order to have wear in the removed switches examined, Embraer advises operators to ship them to:

Esterline Corporation 13955 - Balboa Boulevard Sylmar, CA 91342 ATT.: Mr. Michael Nystrom ([email protected])

Remote CB Trip / E-bay fan failure


Embraer has received field reports of REMOTE CB TRIP CAS message related to MID (FWD) AVNX CMPT FAN 1(or 2) [Cx]/WRG FAULT CMC message being triggered and associated CB popped.

In such cases, considering that no CENTER (FWD) E-BAY FANS FAIL CAS message is displayed, aircraft may be dispatched for flight after the appropriate message acknowledgement.

For more information, see Flight Operation Letter FOL 170-2009-001 (MMEL Dispatch With CMC Message).


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AC External Receptacle Burnt


Embraer has received some reports of AC External Receptacle being burnt when the GPU plug is connected to the aircraft.

It was observed that in such events the GPU was powered “ON” prior to its connection to the aircraft. Existence of some contamination on the GPU connector plug may also be a contributory factor.

Embraer calls Operators’ attention to the importance of setting the GPU to “OFF” prior to connecting it to the aircraft, as stated in AMM Part II, TASK 24-42-02-860-801-A (Connection of the external AC power supply to the aircraft - Aircraft/System Configuration) and 24-42-02-860-803-A (Connection of the external AC power supply to the aircraft (Ground Service Mode) - Aircraft/ System Configuration).

In addition, the Operators shall ensure that there is no contamination on the external power plug prior to its connection to the aircraft.

PSEM Installation in the MAU Cabinet


Embraer has received some reports of PSEM being burnt just after its installation in the MAU cabinet damaging PSEM components. Investigation revealed that damage to the units has been caused by PSEM installation upside down in the MAU cabinet when the aircraft is energized.

Embraer revisited AMM TASK 32-61-01-400-801-A and confirmed that it contains all proper and necessary information. Thus, Embraer emphasizes the need for technicians to pay special attention to this procedure during PSEM module replacement, especially to AMM cautionary note and figure 401 sheet 2, on page 409:

CAUTION: MAKE SURE THAT THE ARROW ON THE MODULE FRONT PLATE POINTS DOWN. INCORRECT INSTALLATION WILL CAUSE DAMAGE TO THE EQUIPMENT.


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FLAP FAIL Correlated with Flap Surface Jammed/ Underspeed due to Cruise Roller Jamming (PRE-MOD SB 170-57-0006)

Effectivity: EMBRAER 170

Embraer received a report from one operator of “FLAP FAIL” correlated with “FLAP SURFACE JAMMED / UNDERSPEED” on the CMC. Troubleshooting revealed the flap cruise roller damaged, causing chafing on the flap track as shown in pictures 2 and 3. Flap cruise rollers are installed on the wing structure and guide the INBD and OUTBD FLAP surfaces in the tracks during extension and retraction.

It was also noticed that the subject aircraft had not incorporated SB 170-27-006, which requires replacing the cruise roller assembly and adjusting the gaps in accordance with local ambient temperature.

Figure 1 – POST-MOD SB 170-57-0006 installation

Therefore, Embraer reinforces the warning to all EMBRAER 170 operators that they should accomplish SB 170-57-0006 at the earliest opportunity in order to prevent flap jamming occurrences due to cruise roller damage. For further details, refer to Embraer SB 170-27-0006.

Besides, the inspection of cruise roller in the event of flap jamming will be included in the next revision to FIM TASK 27-51-00-810-802-A.

Figure 2 – Area of Cruise Roller Causing Friction


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Figure 3 – PRE-MOD SB 170-57-0006 Components Damaged

EMBRAER 170/175 – TR Deflectors – Update

Effectivity: EMBRAER 170

As informed in E-Jets NEWS Releases No. 19 and No. 22, Embraer has received reports of failure of post-mod CF34-8E TR Deflectors (PN 14G0415-203 and 14G0415-204), which were incorporated through GE SB 78-0044 or on the production line in TR SN 430 and on.

Investigation pointed to a high cycle fatigue due to alternate bending of the free external edge of the deflector as a root cause of this new type of failure. Based on that GE/MHD presented two different deflector configurations and has elected the design with aluminum alloy and stiffeners. It will be fully tested in service to have its robustness validated.

In order to start a field evaluation plan, an evaluation Service Bulletin (SB 78-0053) was released on February 2009 for specifics aircraft SN on one operator.

While the final fix is not available, GE/MHD recommends that SB 78-0044 only in case of attrition wear, upon breakage of the TR Deflectors. If failures occur on newly delivered post-mod configurations, replacement parts will be covered under warranty.

For more details, refer to Service Letter CF34-8E MHD 78-33-597 Revision 01 released on January 09th, 2009 ( https://e-library.aircelle.com ).


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PWS - Water Leakage and Freezing


Embraer informs that in the last weeks, 4 (four) cases of water leakage caused by freezing and rupture of the Potable Water System fittings have been reported.

Events occurred with both PWS configurations, Standard and Freeze Protection Systems.

Embraer emphasizes that the drainage of the Potable Water System as per AMM Task 12-14-01-680-801-A for Standard configuration and the setting of the Freeze Protection System as per AMM Task 10-10-01-500-802A for aircraft with such configuration are recommended whenever the aircraft is parked under temperature below 0 ºC (32 F). These are the only effective actions to prevent damage by freezing to the PWS fittings and subsequent leakage.

CD burning formats recognized by DMU


Embraer has recently received some reports of DMU not recognizing CDs for software uploading.

This happens because there are some CD burning formats are not accepted or can not be read by DMU per its design.

In order to guide E-Jets operators when burning a CD for software uploads using DMU, Embraer informs that only the following CD burning formats are recognized by DMU:

• CDF

• IS0-9660

• Rock Ridge

• Microsoft Joliet

• UDF Bridge (Not “UDF” only)

NOTE:

• To check CD burning format, access the option "Properties" when inserting the CD into the laptop/ computer.

• Most of CD burning software currently available on the market presents the function of choosing CD burning format before CD burning.

Integrity Tests (I-BIT) Execution Tips


As previously informed in E-Jets NEWS releases No. 12, No. 21 and No. 23, Embraer would like to inform that SNL 170-27-0048 and SNL 190-27-0041 were issued in order to cover all possible scenarios of flight control system integrity test failure (AMM TASK 27-00-00-710-801-A) as well as provide some maintenance tips to successfully perform the task.

For further details, please refer to those SNLs.


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Embraer LG Shock Absorber Alternative Fluid


Some operators have requested an alternative fluid for approved oil specification MIL-PRF-5606 to be used in the Landing Gear Shock Absorber. Embraer and Liebherr concluded the studies and the following fluids were approved as alternatives to Aeroshell 41: SHELL LGF; ROYCO LGF; CASTROL AERO 40.

These alternative fluids are applicable to NLG and MLG shock absorbers of both Embraer 170 and 190.

The fluid originally supplied in the landing gear can be mixed with only one alternative fluid. It is not allowed to mix three or more approved alternative hydraulic fluids.

The modification to the manual, reflecting the alternative fluids, will be available in the next scheduled revision.

SLAT OUTBD SKEW SENSOR Resistance Value – Investigation


Embraer is working on a possible troubleshooting improvement in SLAT FAIL CAS messages due to L WING OUTBD SLAT PANEL SKEW or R WING OUTBD SLAT PANEL SKEW CMC correlated message.

In order to collect data from the field that could substantiate this analysis, Embraer requests all E-Jets operators to measure the resistance between pins 2 and 4 (refer to figure 2) of the slat outboard skew sensor (PN 1702286A and 1702288A) whenever this component is removed.

The table below can be used as a reference to collect the resistance values. The collected data shall be provided to170 FCS EFTC [email protected].

Figure 1 – Table with the findings

XXX


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Figure 2 – Skew Sensor Pins

Acronyms

AD = Airworthiness Directive

AIPC = Aircraft Illustrated Parts Catalog

AMM = Aircraft Maintenance Manual

ANAC = Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority)

AOM = Airplane Operations Manual

APU = Auxiliary Power Unit

CAS = Crew Alerting System

CMC = Central Maintenance Computer

CMM = Component Maintenance Manual

DLS = Data Load System

DMU = Data-Loader Management Unit

EICAS = Engine Indicating and Crew Alerting System


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EMM = Engine Maintenance Manual

FHDB = Fault History Database

FIM = Fault Isolation Manual

FOL = Flight Operations Letter

FWSOV = Firewall Shutoff Valve

GPU = Ground Power Unit

GSE = Ground Support Equipment

LDI = Loadable Diagnostic Information

LRU = Line Replaceable Unit

MCDU = Multifunction Control Display Unit

MMEL = Master Minimum Equipment List

OB = Operational Bulletins

P-ACE = Primary Actuator Control Electronics

PIL = Parts Information Letter

PN = Part Number

PSEM = Proximity Sensor Electronic Module

PWS = Potable Water System

QAR = Quick Access Recorder

SB = Service Bulletin

SN = Serial Number

SNL = Service Newsletter

TAT = Total Air Temperature

TR = Thrust Reverser

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

operator e-jets news rel 27

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