AD/EMB-110/12 - Elevator Rear Bellcrank Bolts and Spring Supports - Replacement

Overview

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive, issued in 1981, was introduced in response to a reported incident where a self-locking nut on an elevator bellcrank bolt worked loose and separated from the aircraft. This issue posed a significant safety risk, necessitating the directive to ensure the replacement of the elevator rear bellcrank bolts and spring supports to mitigate any potential hazards. The directive applies to all models 110 within specified serial numbers, mandating compliance within 240 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance on 28 February 1981. This regulation is enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, with a clear policy objective to enhance aviation safety by addressing specific mechanical failures. The directive references Embraer Service Bulletin No. 110-27-038, outlining the necessary modifications to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Scope and Application

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive AD/EMB-110/12 applies to specific serial numbers within the Embraer EMB-110 series, which includes aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 110001 to 110134, 110136 to 110139, 110143 to 110146, 110148, 110149, 110152, 110156 to 110157, 110160 to 110165, 110168 to 110170, 110172 to 110178, 110180 to 110184, 110186, 110189 to 110190, and 110192 to 110252. The directive mandates the replacement of the elevator rear bellcrank bolts and spring supports to mitigate the risk of a self-locking nut working loose and separating from the elevator bellcrank bolt, which has been reported overseas. This regulation applies under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and is overseen by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Compliance with this directive must be achieved within 240 hours of time in service after 28 February 1981, and it is supported by Embraer Service Bulletin No. 110-27-038. This directive is part of a broader framework that ensures the airworthiness of specific aircraft models and is subject to enforcement by CASA.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105, address the airworthiness directives for the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) series aeroplanes. Within this section, AD/EMB-110/12 pertains to the replacement of elevator rear bellcrank bolts and spring supports (paragraph 2/81). This directive applies to all models 110 with specific serial numbers (SN) from 110001 to 110134, 110136 to 110139, 110143 to 110146, 110148, 110149, 110152, 110156 to 110157, 110160 to 110161, 110164 to 110165, 110168 to 110170, 110172 to 110178, 110180 to 110184, 110186, 110189 to 110190, and 110192 to 110252. The directive references Embraer SB No. 110-27-038 for compliance and mandates that the replacement be completed within 240 hours time in service after 28 February 1981. The background provided indicates an incident overseas where a self-locking nut on an elevator bellcrank bolt worked loose and separated, highlighting the necessity for this directive. The obligations imposed by this airworthiness directive require the operators and owners of the specified Embraer EMB-110 series aeroplanes to replace the elevator rear bellcrank bolts and spring supports as per the outlined schedule. Compliance with this directive is crucial to maintaining the safety standards required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Operators must ensure that the replacement is performed by qualified personnel and that the aircraft is not operated beyond the specified time limit without the necessary modifications. This requirement is in place to mitigate the risk of a similar incident occurring, ensuring the continued airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive AD/EMB-110/12 may result in severe consequences. The regulations stipulate that non-compliance can lead to enforcement actions, including fines and potential grounding of the aircraft. Specifically, operators who fail to adhere to the compliance timeline and requirements may face penalties as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Act 1988. In cases of significant non-compliance, CASA has the authority to suspend or revoke the aircraft’s certificate of airworthiness, which would effectively render the aircraft inoperable until the necessary modifications are made and verified. These measures are intended to ensure that all Embraer EMB-110 series aeroplanes maintain their airworthiness and safety standards.