AD/EMB-120/40 Elevator Torque Tubes (Cth)

AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE

For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.001(1) of CASR 1998.  The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.

Embraer EMB-120 (Brasilia) Series Aeroplanes

AD/EMB-120/40 Elevator Torque Tubes 2/2006

Applicability:

All Model EMB-120 aircraft.

Requirement:

Action in accordance with Embraer Service Bulletin No. 120-55-0015 original issue, or later CTA approved revision.

Note:  CTA AD 2005-10-03 refers.

Compliance:

Within 4,000 flight hours or 730 calendar days after 16 February 2006, whichever occurs first.

This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 16 February 2006.

Background:

During scheduled maintenance on an EMB-120 aircraft, corrosion was detected on the inner surface of the elevator torque tubes.  This condition can cause unbalance of the elevators and affect aircraft controllability.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

21 December 2005