AD/EMB-110/32 Amdt 1 - Elevator Front Spar - Inspection and Modification

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation in Australia. The specific amendment referenced here, AD/EMB-110/32 Amendment 1, was introduced to address safety concerns associated with the elevator front spar of Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) series aeroplanes. This legislation, enacted by the Australian Government, aims to rectify structural deficiencies in certain aircraft models to prevent potential failure during flight. The amendment mandates an inspection and modification procedure for the specified aircraft, ensuring compliance with safety standards established by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. The overarching policy objective is to enhance the safety of air travel by mitigating risks associated with aircraft structural integrity.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, applies to the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes with certain serial numbers, specifically those ranging from 110001 to 110401, 110403 to 110412, 110414 to 110423, 110425 to 110428, which have not been previously modified according to Service Bulletin 110-27-068. This regulation is applicable at a Commonwealth level, enforcing mandatory airworthiness directives that pertain to specific aircraft models to ensure safety and compliance with aviation standards. The directive requires an inspection of the elevator front spar before the next Maintenance Release following 31 August 1984 and then at intervals not exceeding 250 hours in service until the modification is made. Furthermore, the modification must be completed within 1000 hours in service after 28 February 1985. The regulation extends its application to enforce compliance through subordinate instruments which may include further detailed instructions or specifications to ensure the safety and airworthiness of the specified aircraft models.

Key Provisions

The key provision of the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive (AD/EMB-110/32Amdt 1) mandates specific actions regarding the elevator front spar of affected aircraft (Part 39, 105). Specifically, the directive applies to all model EMB110 with certain serial numbers (s. 2) and requires compliance with Embraer Service Bulletin SB 110-55-026 (s. 1). This involves an inspection before the next Maintenance Release after 31 August 1984 and then at intervals not exceeding 250 hours of time in service until the modification is made. Furthermore, the modification must be completed within 1000 hours of time in service after 28 February 1985. Operators of the specified Embraer EMB-110 aircraft must adhere to the inspection and modification requirements outlined in the directive. They are obligated to conduct the initial inspection before the next Maintenance Release following 31 August 1984 and ensure subsequent inspections are carried out at intervals not exceeding 250 hours of time in service. Additionally, operators must modify the elevator front spar within 1000 hours of time in service after 28 February 1985, in accordance with the Embraer Service Bulletin SB 110-55-026. Failure to comply with the requirements of this airworthiness directive may result in serious safety issues. The regulations do not explicitly state specific offences or penalties within the text provided; however, non-compliance with airworthiness directives generally attracts significant penalties under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. These penalties can include fines and potential criminal charges for serious breaches that lead to accidents or endanger safety. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance and any resulting harm or risk to aviation safety.