Overview

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority, through the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, addresses issues related to the airworthiness of aircraft, including the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes. Specifically, the regulation targets problems identified with trim tab actuator attachments, as outlined in AD/EMB-110/39 Amendment 2. The legislation was enacted to ensure the safety and reliability of aircraft by addressing potential mechanical failures, such as the fracturing of spring pins, which could lead to hazardous conditions like control surface flutter. Compliance with these directives is mandated within a specific timeframe following the directive’s issuance, ensuring that aircraft maintain appropriate safety standards. The underlying policy objective is to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation in Australia by proactively addressing mechanical issues identified in specific aircraft models.

Scope and Application

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive, as outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, applies to all models of the specified aircraft series. The directive mandates compliance with the action detailed in Embraer Service Bulletin SB110-027-0083, which involves replacing the existing spring pins with solid pins to address the issue of fractured spring pins that could lead to control surface flutter. The directive applies to all instances where the aircraft have accumulated 500 hours of time in service after 3 December 1987. The regulations are issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority under the authority of the Commonwealth of Australia and extend to all aircraft of the specified series operating within Australia. There are no stated exclusions or exemptions within the text, and the directive applies nationally across all states and territories. Any further application or restrictions are determined through subordinate instruments which may be issued to clarify or extend the scope of this directive.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, under Part 39 - 105, focus on ensuring the airworthiness of certain aircraft models, specifically addressing the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) series aeroplanes. The relevant section, AD/EMB-110/39 Amendment 2, targets the trim tab actuator attachments, mandating compliance within 500 hours of time in service after the directive was issued on 3 December 1987 (Section 12/87). This directive requires operators to adhere to Embraer's Service Bulletin SB110-027-0083, which involves replacing the existing spring pins with solid pins to prevent potential failures. The obligations imposed by this regulation are clear and specific. Operators of the Embraer EMB-110 series aeroplanes must ensure that the trim tab actuators are modified as per the specified service bulletin within the stipulated timeframe. This directive underscores the importance of maintaining airworthiness standards by addressing a known safety concern—fractured spring pins, which could lead to control surface flutter and compromise flight safety. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can result in severe consequences. The legislation does not explicitly state the penalties or consequences for non-compliance in the provided text, but it is understood that non-compliance with airworthiness directives can lead to enforcement actions by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). These actions may include fines, operational restrictions, or even grounding of the aircraft until compliance is achieved. The potential for such repercussions underscores the necessity for operators to adhere strictly to the mandated timelines and procedures.