AD/EMB-110/6 - Wing Upper Skin - Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, enacted by the Commonwealth of Australia, form an essential part of the regulatory framework governing civil aviation in the country. Specifically, Part 39 - 105 within these regulations pertains to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's schedule of airworthiness directives, which are critical in ensuring the safety and reliability of aircraft. This legislative instrument, F2006B09495, addresses potential safety concerns associated with the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) series aeroplanes by mandating specific inspections to mitigate risks identified through manufacturer testing. The problem it was introduced to address is the discovery of skin cracks in the wing upper skin during fatigue tests, necessitating a precautionary inspection regime to ensure ongoing airworthiness and safety of these aircraft. The policy objective behind this regulation is to maintain the highest safety standards in civil aviation by implementing mandatory inspections based on findings from rigorous testing. By enforcing these airworthiness directives, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority aims to proactively address potential structural issues, thereby protecting passengers, crew, and the general public from the risks associated with aircraft malfunctions. This legislative measure underscores the commitment to aviation safety and the regulatory oversight required to achieve it.

Scope and Application

The Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive (AD/EMB-110/6) applies to all models of the Embraer EMB-110 aeroplane series. This legislation mandates a specific inspection procedure for the wing upper skin of these aircraft, which was developed as a precautionary measure after skin cracks were discovered during a manufacturer’s fatigue test. The directive is issued under the authority of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, ensuring that all operators of this aircraft type comply with the prescribed safety measures. The geographic reach of this directive is nationwide, applying to all operators within Australia, regardless of the location of the aircraft. The AD does not specify any exclusions or exemptions from the inspection requirements, and compliance is to be ensured as per the Embraer Service Bulletin 110-57-012. The application and enforcement of these regulations may be further detailed or extended through subordinate instruments issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Key Provisions

The primary operative sections of the Embraer EMB-110 (Bandeirante) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive AD/EMB-110/6 pertain to the inspection of the wing upper skin, as detailed in section 6/79 of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 (CAR 1998). This directive mandates that all models of the Embraer EMB-110 series must undergo a thorough inspection of the wing upper skin. The inspection must be conducted in accordance with the Embraer Service Bulletin 110-57-012, which outlines the specific procedures and requirements for this precautionary measure. The directive applies universally to all models within this series, ensuring that any identified issues are addressed promptly and uniformly across the fleet. The Act imposes specific obligations on the entities governed by this directive. Aircraft operators must ensure that the inspections are carried out by qualified personnel who are familiar with the procedures specified in the Embraer Service Bulletin 110-57-012. These inspections must be meticulously documented, and any findings must be reported to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Operators are also required to follow any additional instructions or directives issued by CASA in response to the findings of these inspections. This includes any necessary repairs or modifications to the aircraft to ensure continued airworthiness. Failure to comply with the requirements of this Airworthiness Directive can lead to serious consequences. Under section 97 of the Civil Aviation Act 1988, any breach of these regulations can result in civil penalties. The maximum penalty for contravening these provisions can include fines up to $330,000 for individuals and significantly higher amounts for corporations. Additionally, criminal penalties may apply, including imprisonment for up to five years for individuals. The enforcement of these penalties is overseen by CASA, which has the authority to take action against non-compliant operators to ensure the highest standards of aviation safety are maintained.