FAA Tightens Embraer Jet Checks to Spot Cracks Early
Published Date: 2/7/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to update safety rules for Embraer ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 airplanes to catch engine part cracks sooner by shortening inspection times. This means pilots and maintenance crews need to check engine pylons more often to keep flights safe. Comments on this change are open until March 24, 2025, and while it might cost some time and money, it’s all about keeping everyone flying safely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Earlier Inspections to Prevent Engine Separation
The FAA proposes shorter inspection times so engine pylon lower link lugs on certain Embraer ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 airplanes are checked more often to catch cracks sooner. The rule is intended to prevent loss of engine pylon integrity that could lead to engine separation, loss of airplane controllability, and injury to people on the ground.
Optional Terminating Action: Maintenance Revision
The ANAC AD (incorporated by reference) includes an optional terminating action that revises an operator's maintenance or inspection program to incorporate airworthiness limitations for pylon lower link fittings. The FAA estimates revising existing maintenance programs takes 90 work-hours per operator, at $85/hour, for an average cost of $7,650 per operator.
More Frequent Required Inspections
The proposed AD would retain the inspections required by AD 2020-12-12 but reduce the compliance times, requiring more frequent detailed inspections of inboard and outboard engine pylon lower link lugs on affected Embraer ERJ 170 and ERJ 190 airplanes. The FAA estimates the rule would affect 659 U.S.-registered airplanes and estimates a labor cost of 3 work-hours × $85/hour = $255 per inspection, for a total estimated U.S. cost of $168,045.
Replacement With New Titanium Lugs on Certain Airplanes
The proposed AD notes that certain compliance changes include replacing inboard lower link lugs with new titanium lugs on certain airplanes as part of addressing the unsafe condition. The AD states the inboard lower link lugs must be replaced with new titanium lugs on certain airplanes.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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