AD/EMB-110/36 Amdt 1 - Elevator Trim Tab Actuation - Dual Control Rod Installation

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, address the safety and maintenance standards for civil aircraft in Australia. This legislative instrument, F2006B09477, was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to ensure the continued airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australian airspace. The Act aims to mitigate risks associated with aircraft operations by mandating specific maintenance procedures and safety measures. In this instance, the legislation targets Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) series aeroplanes, requiring the installation of a dual control rod system to prevent the failure effects identified in previous safety directives. The policy objective is to enhance the safety and reliability of these aircraft by addressing known vulnerabilities, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public from potential hazards. The Embraer EMB-110 series aeroplanes are subject to this safety directive, which necessitates compliance within 250 hours of service after 30 November 1985. This directive references an earlier Brazilian airworthiness directive and requires aircraft that have previously complied with related directives to undergo further modifications. The amendment ensures that the installation of dual rods with bearings and increased weight to the elevator mass balance is mandatory, reflecting CASA’s commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in civil aviation. This legislative measure underscores the importance of proactive safety management and continuous improvement in aircraft maintenance practices.

Scope and Application

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes AD/EMB-110/36 Amendment 1 pertains specifically to aircraft within the EMB-110 series that have serial numbers as referenced in the Requirement Document. This directive is issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, and is applicable to all such aircraft, mandating compliance with the installation of dual control rods with bearings and an increased weight to the elevator mass balance. This requirement is intended to mitigate the risk of rod failure, ensuring continued safe operation of the aircraft. The compliance deadline is set within 250 hours of time in service after 30 November 1985, and any aircraft that have previously complied with earlier versions of this directive must undergo further modifications as per Service Bulletin 110-27-068 Revision 1. This directive is enforced under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and applies on a national level across Australia, with no stated exclusions or exemptions within the scope of this specific airworthiness directive.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes AD/EMB-110/36 Amendment 1 pertain to the installation of a dual control rod for the elevator trim tab actuation (AD/EMB-110/36(11/85)). This amendment requires that all model EMB-110 aeroplanes with specific serial numbers must comply with Embraer Service Bulletin 110-27-068 Revision 1. The requirement is to prevent the adverse effects of rod failure by installing dual control rods, bearings, and increasing the weight to the elevator mass balance. This ensures enhanced safety and reliability of the elevator trim tab actuation system. The obligations and requirements imposed by this Airworthiness Directive mandate that all applicable EMB-110 aeroplanes must undertake the specified modifications within 250 hours of time in service after 30 November 1985. It is crucial for operators and owners of these aircraft to ensure that the modifications are carried out as per the guidelines in the Embraer Service Bulletin 110-27-068 Revision 1. This includes not only the installation of the dual control rods but also the incorporation of bearings and the adjustment of the elevator mass balance weight. Aircraft that previously complied with earlier versions of this directive are also required to undergo further modifications as outlined in the latest service bulletin. Failure to comply with the requirements set forth in the Airworthiness Directive can result in serious consequences. Under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, non-compliance with an Airworthiness Directive can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The penalties for non-compliance may include fines, enforcement notices, or even the grounding of the aircraft until the required modifications are completed. It is imperative for operators and owners to adhere to the specified timelines and technical requirements to avoid legal and safety repercussions.