AD/EMB-110/45 - Rudder Tab System

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under PART 39 - 105, include the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, which was enacted to ensure the safety and airworthiness of aircraft operating within Australia. One such directive, AD/EMB-110/45, pertains to the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) series aeroplanes and focuses on the rudder tab system. This directive was introduced to address significant issues of vibration in the rudder system, which were found to stem from free play and a lack of rigidity in the rudder tab system. The directive mandates specific actions, including the installation of an improved rudder trim tab actuator and the addition of reinforcements to the vertical stabilizer rear spar, in accordance with the technical requirements outlined in CTA AD 91-07-01 Amdt 39-680. Compliance with this directive is required within 1500 hours of time in service after 12 December 1991, or by 12 August 1992, whichever occurs first. The policy objective behind this directive is to mitigate the safety risks associated with the identified issues in the rudder tab system of the Embraer EMB-110 series, thereby ensuring the continued safety and airworthiness of these aircraft in Australian airspace. This directive was enacted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, an authority established under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 to regulate and oversee civil aviation safety in Australia.

Scope and Application

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes AD/EMB-110/45 Rudder Tab System applies specifically to the Model EMB-110 aeroplanes, targeting a critical safety issue identified in the rudder tab system. This legislative instrument falls under the purview of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, which are administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The directive mandates compliance with the technical requirements outlined in CTA AD 91-07-01 Amendment 39-680, and references Embraer Service Bulletin SB110-027-0089 for implementation details. The requirement necessitates action within 1500 hours of time in service after the directive's issuance date of 12 December 1991, or by 12 August 1992, whichever comes first. This timeframe is intended to address issues of significant vibration in the rudder system, which have been attributed to free play and lack of rigidity in the rudder tab system. The regulation ensures the installation of an improved rudder trim tab actuator and additional reinforcements to the vertical stabilizer rear spar to mitigate these safety concerns. The application of this directive is jurisdictional within the Commonwealth of Australia, overseen by CASA, ensuring adherence to national aviation safety standards.

Key Provisions

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes are subject to specific airworthiness directives under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, particularly in Part 39 (section 39-105). The directive AD/EMB-110/45 addresses the rudder tab system, which has experienced significant vibration issues due to free play and lack of rigidity. This directive requires the installation of an improved rudder trim tab actuator and the addition of reinforcements to the vertical stabilizer rear spar, as specified in CTA AD 91-07-01 Amdt 39-680. The directive notes that Embraer Service Bulletin 110-027-0089 is relevant to this action. Entities governed by this legislation must comply with the technical requirements set out in the directive. Specifically, they must ensure that the specified modifications to the rudder tab system are completed within 1500 hours of time in service after the directive's effective date of 12 December 1991, or by 12 August 1992, whichever comes first. The directive is aimed at addressing the identified safety issues and ensuring the continued airworthiness of the EMB-110 series aeroplanes. Failure to comply with the airworthiness directive can result in significant consequences. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority may take enforcement action against any non-compliance, which could include imposing fines, suspension or revocation of aircraft certificates, or other administrative penalties. The specific consequences for non-compliance are not detailed in the legislative instrument but can be severe, given the potential safety implications of not adhering to airworthiness directives. The exact penalties would be determined based on the severity and circumstances of the non-compliance.