AD/EMB-110/10 - Fuel Tank Alternate Vent - Removal

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended by the legislative instrument F2006B09450, introduce specific safety directives for certain models of Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, this regulation targets a recognised safety concern with the fuel tank alternate venting system of specified aircraft models, particularly those with serial numbers within a defined range. The primary objective of this directive is to enhance the lightning protection of the outer wing area by mandating the removal of the fuel tank alternate vent. This action aims to mitigate the risk of lightning-induced damage, thereby ensuring the continued airworthiness and safety of these aircraft. The regulation is part of the broader framework overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, which seeks to maintain high safety standards in civil aviation. The legislative instrument, introduced by the Australian Parliament, addresses a specific safety issue identified in the operation of certain EMB-110 aeroplanes. By requiring the removal of the fuel tank alternate vent within 300 hours of time in service after 30 September 1980, the regulation directly responds to concerns about the vulnerability of these aircraft to lightning strikes. This directive is underpinned by Embraer Service Bulletin No. 110-28-015, which provides the technical basis for the required modifications. The policy objective is to ensure that these aircraft comply with the necessary safety standards, thereby protecting both the aircraft and its occupants.

Scope and Application

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Fuel Tank Alternate Vent Removal directive, outlined in AD/EMB-110/10 under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, pertains specifically to the EMB-110P1 and EMB-110P2 models with certain serial numbers. This legislation applies to these specified aircraft models to ensure compliance with safety directives issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive mandates the removal of the fuel tank alternate vent to enhance lightning protection at the outer wing area, and compliance is required within 300 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 30 September 1980. The legislation does not explicitly extend to other models or serial numbers outside the specified range and relies on the Embraer Service Bulletin No. 110-28-015 for detailed compliance procedures. This regulation is part of the broader framework of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and applies across the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that all relevant aircraft operators within Australian jurisdiction adhere to these safety requirements.

Key Provisions

The primary provision of AD/EMB-110/10 (Section 1) mandates that specific models of Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series aeroplanes, namely those with serial numbers specified in the directive, must have the fuel tank alternate vent removed to enhance lightning protection at the outer wing area. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for the listed serial numbers, and it must be completed within 300 hours of time in service following 30 September 1980. This directive is based on Embraer Service Bulletin No. 110-28-015, which provides the technical specifications and procedures for the removal of the fuel tank alternate vent. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) imposes several obligations on the parties or entities governed by this directive. Owners or operators of the specified Embraer EMB-110 aircraft must ensure that the fuel tank alternate vent is removed according to the specifications outlined in Embraer Service Bulletin No. 110-28-015. This includes conducting the necessary maintenance work within the prescribed timeframe and documenting the compliance to meet regulatory standards. The responsibility lies with the aircraft operator to maintain the aircraft in an airworthy condition, which includes adhering to airworthiness directives issued by CASA. Failure to comply with AD/EMB-110/10 may result in severe consequences under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Specifically, non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions by CASA, which may include fines, penalties, and potential grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed. The exact penalties are not detailed in the directive but are subject to the broader regulatory framework governing civil aviation safety. Additionally, continued operation of an aircraft that does not comply with airworthiness directives can result in serious safety risks, potentially leading to criminal charges if negligence or intentional disregard of safety regulations is established. Furthermore, the consequences of non-compliance extend beyond financial penalties and enforcement actions. Operators who fail to adhere to airworthiness directives risk compromising the safety of their passengers and crew, which could result in severe legal ramifications. CASA has the authority to take civil or criminal action against individuals or entities found in breach of the regulations, which may include substantial fines, imprisonment, or both. The specific penalties for non-compliance are not detailed in the directive but are governed by the overarching legal framework and the severity of the breach.