AD/EMB-110/30 Amdt 1 - Flap Control and Protection Unit - Modification

Overview

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directives, specifically AD/EMB-110/30 Amendment 1, was introduced to address safety concerns regarding inadvertent flap extensions due to short circuits in the flap system control and protection unit. Enacted under the authority of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, this directive aims to mitigate the risk of accidents caused by such malfunctions, ensuring the continued safety of air travel involving the specified aircraft models. The Australian Government, through the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, implemented these directives to align with international safety standards and to protect both the crew and passengers on board. The overarching policy objective is to enforce stringent safety measures and enhance aircraft reliability by mandating timely modifications to prevent hazardous conditions.

Scope and Application

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes AD/EMB-110/30 Amendment 1 addresses the modification of the flap control and protection unit, a safety measure specifically targeting all models of the Embraer EMB-110 series aeroplanes equipped with a multiposition flap control switch. The applicability of this directive is clear, as it mandates compliance from all relevant aircraft operators, ensuring that safety standards are upheld across the fleet of affected aircraft. This directive is a response to reports of inadvertent flap extension caused by a short circuit in the flap system control and protection unit, thereby emphasising the importance of timely modifications to prevent such incidents. The scope of this directive is both temporal and operational, with two distinct compliance periods: Part I requires compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 31 March 1984, while Part II necessitates adherence within 250 hours of time in service after 30 April 1985. This structured approach ensures that safety improvements are systematically implemented and monitored. Furthermore, the directive aligns with Brazilian AD 84-01-01, indicating an international recognition of the safety imperatives addressed by the amendment. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s oversight ensures that these safety measures are enforced across the Commonwealth, ensuring the highest standards of airworthiness are maintained.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, contain the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which mandate specific actions for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft. The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes are subject to Airworthiness Directive AD/EMB-110/30 Amendment 1 (AD/EMB-110/30Amdt 1), which focuses on modifications to the flap control and protection unit. This directive applies to all models equipped with a multiposition flap control switch. The applicable document for compliance is Embraer Service Bulletin SB 110-27-073 Revision 1, with reference to the Brazilian AD 84-01-01. The directive sets forth specific compliance requirements. Part I mandates compliance within 100 hours of time in service following 31 March 1984. Part II requires compliance within 250 hours of time in service following 30 April 1985. The modifications are intended to address issues such as inadvertent flap extension caused by short circuits in the flap system control and protection unit. Additionally, Amendment 1 includes a modification to prevent the flap control circuit breaker from tripping when the fire extinguishing system is activated. Operators of Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes must ensure that the specified modifications to the flap control and protection unit are implemented within the stipulated timeframes. This involves inspecting the flap control and protection unit, making necessary modifications as outlined in the Embraer Service Bulletin SB 110-27-073 Revision 1, and ensuring the fire extinguishing system does not inadvertently trigger the flap control circuit breaker. Failure to comply with these directives can result in the aircraft being deemed unairworthy. Failure to comply with the requirements set out in AD/EMB-110/30 Amendment 1 may lead to serious safety concerns, including the risk of inadvertent flap extension, which can compromise the aircraft’s control and safety during flight. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has the authority to enforce compliance with these directives. Non-compliance may result in the grounding of the aircraft until the necessary modifications are completed, and in severe cases, it could lead to legal action, including fines or other penalties as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Regulations. The specific penalties for non-compliance are determined by the regulatory authority based on the severity and impact of the breach.