AD/EMB-110/21 - Fuel Filter Drain Hose - Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the legislative instrument F2006B09462, addresses safety concerns associated with the fuel filter drain hoses in Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) series aeroplanes. Enacted by the Australian Parliament, the regulation aims to enhance aviation safety by mandating the replacement of existing fuel filter drain hoses with rigid tubes. This change is intended to minimise the risk of hose failure, which could potentially lead to the draining of the aircraft fuel tanks, thereby posing a significant safety hazard. The policy objective of this directive is to ensure that all Embraer EMB-110 models comply with the specified safety measures within 100 hours of time in service following 28 February 1983, as referenced in Embraer Service Bulletin No. 110-28-024 and Brazilian CTA Airworthiness Directive 82-10-01.

Scope and Application

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes AD/EMB-110/21 pertains to all models within the EMB-110 series, enforcing a directive that requires the replacement of existing fuel filter drain hoses with rigid tubes. This mandate is issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically within Part 39 - 105, which governs the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's (CASA) Schedule of Airworthiness Directives. The directive is intended to mitigate the risk of fuel filter drain hose failure, which could potentially lead to the draining of the aircraft's fuel tanks, thereby compromising safety. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be achieved within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1983. This regulation extends its jurisdictional reach across the Commonwealth of Australia, applying uniformly to all EMB-110 series aircraft operating within Australian airspace. The directive is referenced by Embraer SB No. 110-28-024 and aligns with Brazilian CTA AD 82-10-01, ensuring consistency in international aviation safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, mandate specific safety directives for certain aircraft, including the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) series aeroplanes. Section 39.105.010 provides the details of Airworthiness Directive AD/EMB-110/21, which pertains to the replacement of the fuel filter drain hose. This directive, referenced as Embraer SB No. 110-28-024, requires that the existing fuel filter drain hoses be replaced with rigid tubes. The directive notes that the Brazilian Civil Aviation Authority (CTA) also issued a similar directive, AD 82-10-01, indicating the international relevance and importance of this safety measure. Compliance with this directive must occur within 100 hours of time in service after 28 February 1983, as outlined in section 39.105.010(1). Operators and owners of Embraer EMB-110 series aeroplanes are obligated to ensure that the specified replacement of the fuel filter drain hose is carried out within the stipulated timeframe. This requirement is crucial to mitigate the risk of fuel tank failure, which could potentially lead to catastrophic consequences. The directive applies to all models within the EMB-110 series, as indicated in section 39.105.010(2). To comply, operators must document the replacement process and retain records of the work performed, ensuring that the aircraft meets the safety standards set forth by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Failure to comply with Airworthiness Directive AD/EMB-110/21 can lead to serious consequences. Under section 39.105.010(3), any breach of this directive is considered a violation of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Such violations may result in penalties, including fines or other enforcement actions. The exact penalties can vary depending on the severity of the breach and the discretion of the enforcement body, but it is clear from section 39.105.010(4) that non-compliance could also lead to the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are made. This not only imposes financial penalties but also risks operational disruptions and potential safety hazards.