EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Time Pressure; Training / Qualification
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Inflight Event / Encounter Fuel Issue
Flight Crew FLC complied w / Automation / Advisory; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; General Declared Emergency
Company Policy; Aircraft
On the right downwind for Runway 23 we were given a descent down to 2;600 from 5;000 FT. During the descent the Captain asked for flaps 9 degrees. When I selected the flap position the Caution light and ding went off signaling on the EICAS that we had 'FLAP FAIL.' I checked the backup RMU page for the aircraft systems and saw the flaps were still in the 0 position. We cycled the flaps back to 0 and back to 9 then back to 0 to no avail. Approach gave us a vector to base. We then began the Flap Fail QRH. At this point we were given a vector to join final and contact Tower. Once with Tower we advised Tower that we were experiencing a problem and needed delay vectors to finish the QRH. Tower advised us to maintain 2;600 FT and circle as necessary to handle the situation. We then completely ran the Flap Fail QRH. We determined that per the QRH; we had enough runway available to safely completely a flap 0 landing on Runway 23 and that a diversion was unnecessary. After completing the in range portion of the QRH; the Captain instructed me to declare an emergency with the Tower so that emergency personnel would be standing by the runway as a precaution. The Captain then informed the Flight Attendant of the situation and then made a PA to the passengers informing them of the situation and to not worry. Once on final we finished the QRH once the gear came down. We landed safely with no abnormal occurrence other than landing with the flaps 0. We departed with around 300 LBS over release fuel but discovered the problem on downwind with about 2;300 LBS. This made options such as diverting to an airport with longer runways such as IAD more difficult.
We had a flap low speed MEL for the aircraft (27-53-00-02). On approach we selected flaps 9 and the EICAS flap fail message appeared. The weather was good with no alternate. Fuel planned on arrival for release was about 2;400 LBS. The fact we had only about 1 hours worth of fuel was a threat. It took away time and options that might had been available had we had more fuel. Without the extra time; and the fact we were on the approach; the process moved along pretty quick. We were trying to make sure all necessary checklists and communications were accomplished before the approach was continued. Try to take your time as much as you can. Given that not much time/options are available; prioritize what is important.
An EMB-145 EICAS alerted FLAP FAIL as flaps 9 were selected for landing so the crew completed the QRH; declared an emergency; and landed without incident.