AD/EMB-110/27 Amdt 3 - Fuselage Structure Horizontal Stabiliser Front Attachment

Overview

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Amendment, published in 1995, addresses structural integrity concerns specifically pertaining to the aft fuselage area near the horizontal stabiliser front attachment points. This legislative instrument was introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority as part of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 to ensure the safety and airworthiness of affected aircraft models. The primary objective of this amendment is to mandate modifications and inspections to mitigate the risk of cracks and loose rivets that could compromise the structural integrity of the fuselage. The amendment incorporates requirements from Embraer Service Bulletin 110-53-0019 Revision 6 and aligns with Brazilian AD 83-03-03 R6, ensuring consistency in safety standards across jurisdictions. Compliance deadlines are set to ensure timely modifications and inspections, enhancing the overall safety of the aircraft in operation.

Scope and Application

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directives (AD) applies to specific models within this series, as detailed in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. It pertains to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 110001 to 110386, 110388 to 110397, 110399 to 110401, 110404 to 110408, 110410 to 110412, 110414, 110415 and 110421. These aircraft must comply with the specified modifications and inspections to ensure the fuselage structure near the horizontal stabiliser front attachment points is secure and free from defects. The AD is issued under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia and applies across the nation. The directive references an earlier Brazilian AD and an Embraer Service Bulletin revision, indicating a broader international safety standard application. The requirement for modifications must be met before a certain timeframe post the amendment date or before a specific calendar date, whichever is sooner. Inspections must also be carried out at specified intervals post-modification. The AD does not apply to aircraft that already have the necessary modifications incorporated in their production.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, Part 39 - 105, specifically under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, includes a directive for Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes. This directive, AD/EMB-110/27 Amendment 3, concerns the fuselage structure near the horizontal stabiliser front attachment (sections 1 and 2). For certain serial numbers of these aircraft, it mandates modifications to the fuselage structure to address issues of cracks and loose rivets (section 1). The directive applies to specific serial numbers, and notes that other aircraft have equivalent modifications incorporated during production. Additionally, it requires a visual inspection of the internal fuselage structure near the horizontal stabiliser front attachment for looseness, loose fasteners, and cracks for all applicable aircraft (section 2). The obligations under this directive are clear. Owners and operators of the affected aircraft must ensure that the specified modifications are carried out before a certain timeframe or number of flight hours. For the specified serial numbers, the modification must be completed before 1000 hours of time in service after 30 April 1985 or before 27 June 1995, whichever comes first. For initial inspections, the timeframe is before 3600 hours of time in service after the modification, or before 100 hours of time in service after 27 April 1995, whichever is later, for the specified serial numbers. All aircraft must then undergo subsequent inspections at each 6C check. Failure to comply with the requirements of this directive can result in significant consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed within the text of the directive itself, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations can lead to both civil and criminal penalties. Civil penalties can include fines, while criminal penalties can result in imprisonment, depending on the severity and intent behind the non-compliance. These consequences underscore the importance of adhering to the specified timelines and inspection requirements to ensure the continued airworthiness of the aircraft.