AD/EMB-145/13 Rudder Ii Skin, Hinge Fittings, Attachment Fasteners, and Control Rods (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-135 and EMB-145 Series Aeroplanes

AD/EMB-145/13 Rudder II Skin, Hinge Fittings, Attachment Fasteners, and Control Rods 8/2008

Applicability:	All Model EMB-145 and EMB-135 aircraft.
Requirement:	Action in accordance with the requirements of ANAC AD 2005-09-02R2.
Compliance:	As specified in the Requirement document for the effective dates and compliance times; unless Part VI of the Requirement document is already accomplished.
This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 31 July 2008.
Background:	Following reports of rudder vibration, wear has been found in the rudder-II attachment flange bushings and upper, intermediate, and lower hinge fittings.  There has also been excessive freeplay on the rudder-II lower control rod clevis end-to-rod attachment.  The failure of multiple hinges can result in flutter on the rudder-II and subsequent structural failure.  Failure of the control rods can result in jamming of the rudder-II.

David Villiers
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

18 June 2008