Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, established by the Australian Government and administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, include specific directives aimed at maintaining the safety of civil aviation within the country. One such directive is the AD/EMB-110/22, which applies to Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 110001 to 110385. This directive was introduced to address a critical safety concern identified by the manufacturer: the potential displacement of the rudder pedal assembly's main bearing, which could render the rudder control inoperative. The policy objective behind this directive is to ensure that all affected aircraft are inspected and modified within specified timeframes, thus preventing potential operational hazards and ensuring continued airworthiness of the aircraft. This directive requires compliance within 25 hours of time in service after the specified date, 21 January 1983, and mandates further inspections and modifications at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the aircraft are modified as per the requirement document, Embraer SB No. 110-27-058. This legislative instrument is part of a broader regulatory framework aimed at mitigating risks and maintaining high safety standards in civil aviation operations in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive (AD/EMB-110/22) pertains to all aircraft within the specified serial number range of 110001 to 110385. This directive mandates an inspection and potential modification of the rudder pedal assembly main bearing attachment, ensuring continued compliance with safety standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) oversees the enforcement of this directive, which is applicable across the Commonwealth of Australia. The directive necessitates compliance within 25 hours of time in service following the date of issuance, 21 January 1983, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 100 hours time in service until the specified modifications are completed in accordance with Section II of Embraer Service Bulletin No. 110-27-058. This directive is rooted in a manufacturer’s report of a bearing displacement that rendered the rudder control inoperative, highlighting the importance of regular inspections and timely modifications to maintain airworthiness.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39, Section 105, mandates the inspection and modification of the rudder pedal assembly main bearing attachment for Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes with serial numbers (S/Nos.) 110001 to 110385. This directive is outlined in AD/EMB-110/22, with reference to Embraer Service Bulletin No. 110-27-058 and the Brazilian AD 82-11-02. The regulation requires compliance within 25 hours of time in service after 21 January 1983 and then at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service until the modification is completed as specified in Section II of the requirement document. The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes affected by this directive must undergo a thorough inspection and, if necessary, a modification to the rudder pedal assembly main bearing attachment to ensure safety. This inspection should be conducted within 25 hours of the aeroplane's time in service following the specified date and at intervals not exceeding 100 hours of time in service thereafter until the modification is completed. The modification is intended to prevent the bearing from being displaced from its housing flange, which could render the rudder control inoperative, as reported by the manufacturer. Operators of the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the required inspection and modifications are performed by certified personnel and in accordance with the manufacturer's guidelines. This involves scheduling the necessary maintenance and ensuring that the aeroplane is grounded if it fails to meet the specified standards. Operators are also required to keep detailed records of all inspections and modifications performed, as well as the certification of compliance by the relevant authorities. Failure to comply with the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39, Section 105, and the specific requirements outlined in AD/EMB-110/22 may result in serious safety risks. Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to take enforcement action against operators who do not adhere to these regulations. The potential consequences include fines, penalties, and the suspension or revocation of the aeroplane’s airworthiness certificate. The maximum penalties for non-compliance can include significant fines and imprisonment for individuals found guilty of breaches, highlighting the importance of strict adherence to these safety directives.