AD/EMB-110/29 - Flight Control Trim Tab Hinge Pins - Inspection and Replacement

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, is a comprehensive piece of legislation designed to ensure the safety of civil aviation in Australia. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 contains the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which includes detailed instructions and requirements for the maintenance and operation of various aircraft models, including the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes. The legislation was enacted by the Australian Government to address the need for stringent safety standards in civil aviation, particularly in the maintenance and operation of aircraft. One of the key directives under this regulation is AD/EMB-110/29, which mandates specific inspections and modifications to the flight control trim tab hinge pins of Embraer EMB-110 aeroplanes to mitigate potential safety risks associated with the migration of hinge pins. This directive is in response to reports from the manufacturer and aligns with international safety standards, ensuring that the aircraft remain airworthy and safe for operation. The policy objective of these regulations is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation through rigorous oversight and compliance with established safety directives.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) series aeroplanes and mandates the inspection and replacement of flight control trim tab hinge pins. This legislation applies to all model EMB-110 aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 110001 to 110386, 110388 to 110397, 110399 to 110401, 110404 to 110408, 110410 to 110412, 110414, 110415, and 110421. The directive necessitates an inspection within 25 hours of time in service after 26th January 1984 and subsequent inspections at intervals not exceeding 25 hours of time in service until the modification is completed. Additionally, the directive mandates that any necessary modifications be completed prior to 30 April 1984, referencing Embraer Service Bulletin No 110-55-023 and aligning with Brazilian AD 83-11-01. This regulation is applicable nationwide and is enforced by the Commonwealth of Australia through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The key operative sections of the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes AD/EMB-110/29 Flight Control Trim Tab Hinge Pins - Inspection and Replacement 3/84 (sections 39-105 and related subsections) mandate that all specified model EMB-110 aircraft, with serial numbers within the designated range, undergo a mandatory inspection within 25 hours of time in service following 26th January 1984, and subsequently at intervals not exceeding 25 hours time in service until the necessary modifications are made. Furthermore, these aircraft must have the required modifications completed by 30 April 1984. These directives are designed to address a reported issue of elevator trim tab hinge pin migration, as referenced in Embraer S.B. No 110-55-023 and Brazilian AD 83-11-01. The obligations imposed by these regulations on the relevant parties include ensuring that the inspection and modification criteria are strictly adhered to. Aircraft operators and owners must ensure that the specified inspections are carried out within the stipulated timeframes, and the modifications are completed by the designated deadline. This involves coordinating with authorised personnel who are knowledgeable about the Embraer EMB-110 aircraft and the specific requirements outlined in the AD/EMB-110/29 directive. Additionally, the responsible parties must maintain records of all inspections and modifications performed, as these documents will be essential for compliance verification and future audits. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes AD/EMB-110/29 Flight Control Trim Tab Hinge Pins - Inspection and Replacement 3/84 can result in significant civil and criminal consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce the regulations and take action against non-compliant parties. Potential penalties may include fines, enforcement notices, or more severe measures such as grounding the aircraft or revoking the operator's certificate. In extreme cases, criminal charges may be pursued, leading to imprisonment or additional substantial financial penalties. The exact penalties depend on the severity and frequency of the non-compliance, as well as any resultant safety risks or incidents.