Overview

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Trim Tab Control Systems Inspection and Modification Airworthiness Directive (AD/EMB-110/23), introduced in 1983, addresses a safety concern identified by Embraer regarding the potential for the attaching nuts of the actuating rod ends of the trim tab systems to become loose. This directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, with the primary objective of enhancing the safety of the aircraft by ensuring the integrity of the trim tab control systems. Compliance with this directive is mandatory for all EMB-110 models with specific serial numbers, requiring inspections and modifications within specified timeframes following the directive's issuance. This legislative instrument mandates two compliance phases: the first phase requires compliance within 25 hours of time in service after 25 January 1983, while the second phase necessitates compliance within 125 hours of time in service or one month, whichever comes first, also following 25 January 1983. The directive references Brazilian AD 82-11-03, underscoring its alignment with international safety standards. By enforcing these requirements, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to mitigate the risk of in-flight control issues that could arise from loose trim tab control system components, thereby safeguarding the operational safety of the aircraft.

Scope and Application

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies specifically to all models of the EMB-110 series with serial numbers (S/Nos.) ranging from 110001 to 110364 and 110366 to 110384. This legislation, part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, mandates inspections and modifications of the trim tab control systems on these aircraft to address an identified safety concern. The directive is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is aimed at ensuring that the attaching nuts of the actuating rod ends of the trim tab systems remain secure, as investigations by the manufacturer have revealed potential loosening issues that could compromise flight safety. Compliance is required within specified timeframes: Part I necessitates action within 25 hours of time in service after 25 January 1983, while Part II mandates compliance within 125 hours of time in service or one month after the same date, whichever comes first. The directive extends to all operators and owners of the affected aircraft within the Commonwealth of Australia, ensuring that safety standards are uniformly upheld across the aviation industry.

Key Provisions

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directives (AD/EMB-110/23) outlines specific requirements for the inspection and modification of the trim tab control systems. The directive applies to all models of EMB-110 with serial numbers ranging from 110001 to 110364 and from 110366 to 110384. It mandates compliance with the Embraer Service Bulletin No. 110-27-062, Parts I and II, and references the Brazilian AD 82-11-03. The directive is divided into two parts: Part 1 requires compliance within 25 hours of time in service after 25 January 1983, while Part 2 requires compliance within 125 hours of time in service or one month after 25 January 1983, whichever comes first. The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directives impose specific obligations on aircraft operators and maintenance personnel. Operators and maintenance personnel must ensure that the trim tab control systems are inspected and modified as per the Embraer Service Bulletin No. 110-27-062, Parts I and II. This includes checking the attaching nuts of the actuating rod ends of the trim cab systems for any signs of loosening and performing the necessary modifications to secure these nuts to prevent potential in-flight issues. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directives also establish consequences for non-compliance. Operators who fail to adhere to the specified inspection and modification requirements may face significant penalties. Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) may impose fines and sanctions, including grounding the aircraft until the necessary modifications are completed. In severe cases, non-compliance could lead to more stringent enforcement actions, including revocation of the aircraft's airworthiness certificate, which could result in the aircraft being permanently grounded. Additionally, any accidents or incidents arising from non-compliance with the AD/EMB-110/23 could lead to criminal charges against responsible parties, potentially resulting in imprisonment and hefty fines.