AD/EMB-120/23 - Replacement of Pitot Heater Power Wire

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, as amended, include specific provisions for ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, particularly through Airworthiness Directives (ADs) issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). One such directive is AD/EMB-120/23, which was enacted in 1998 to address a safety concern identified with the Embraer EMB-120 (Brasilia) Series Aeroplanes. This directive was introduced to mitigate the risk of overheating of a specific wire, which could lead to smoke generation in the cockpit and potentially compromise flight safety. The policy objective is to ensure that all affected aircraft comply with the specified maintenance requirements to prevent such hazards. The directive mandates the replacement of a particular wire (W200-0434-18) with a heavier gauge wire (W200-1063-12) on certain Embraer EMB-120 aircraft serial numbers. Compliance with this directive is required within 400 hours of time in service or the next Check 1A service, whichever comes first, following the directive's effective date of 26 February 1998. The requirement aligns with instructions from Embraer Service Bulletin 120-30-0028 and references a previous Brazilian Department of Civil Aviation directive (AD 97-11-01 Amdt 39-817).

Scope and Application

The Embraer EMB-120 (Brasilia) Series Aeroplanes Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies specifically to aircraft with serial numbers 120003, 120004, 120006 to 120308 inclusive, 120310, 120312 to 120314 inclusive, 120316 to 120323 inclusive, and 120325 to 120330 inclusive. This directive is issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 and pertains to a safety requirement involving the replacement of a specific wire to mitigate potential risks. The directive mandates the replacement of wire W200-0434-18 with a heavier gauge wire, identified as W200-1063-12, in accordance with the instructions detailed in Embraer Service Bulletin 120-30-0028. This requirement must be fulfilled within 400 hours of time in service or at the next Check 1A service, whichever comes first following the effective date of the directive, which is 26 February 1998. The directive extends to all relevant aircraft within the specified serial number range and does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, though compliance is critical for maintaining airworthiness standards.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, mandates certain safety measures for aircraft operation. Within this regulatory framework, AD/EMB-120/23 addresses the replacement of a specific wire in Embraer EMB-120 Brasilia series aeroplanes. According to section 105 of Part 39, all Embraer EMB-120 aircraft with certain serial numbers must replace a particular wire (W200-0434-18) with a heavier gauge wire (W200-1063-12), as detailed in Embraer Service Bulletin 120-30-0028. This directive is applicable to aircraft with serial numbers ranging from 120003 to 120006 and from 120006 to 120330 inclusive. The primary purpose of this directive is to prevent the overheating of the wire, which could lead to smoke generation in the cockpit. The obligations imposed by this airworthiness directive are clear and straightforward. Operators of affected Embraer EMB-120 aircraft must ensure that the specified wire replacement is carried out within 400 hours of time in service or during the next Check 1A service, whichever comes first after the directive's effective date. The directive became effective on 26 February 1998, and adherence to these guidelines is essential for maintaining the airworthiness of the aircraft. Failure to comply with the requirements outlined in AD/EMB-120/23 could compromise the safety of the aircraft and its occupants. Non-compliance with the provisions of AD/EMB-120/23 can lead to significant consequences. While the specific penalties for breach are not detailed within the directive, the overarching Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 provide a framework for addressing such violations. Under Australian aviation law, non-compliance with airworthiness directives can result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines and potential imprisonment. The severity of the penalties depends on the nature and extent of the non-compliance and whether it results in actual harm or potential danger to aviation safety. It is imperative for operators to adhere strictly to the directive to avoid any legal repercussions.