AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE
For the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below revokes Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/EMB-120/28 and issues the following AD under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.
Embraer EMB-120 (Brasilia) Series Aeroplanes
AD/EMB-120/28
Amdt 1
Electrical Wiring Overheat 8/2002 DM
Applicability: Embraer 120 series aeroplanes with Serial Numbers 120004 and 120006 through 120352 inclusive.
Requirement: 1. Visually check Pitot/Static 1, 2 and auxiliary sensors; Left and Right Hand Angle of Attack (AoA) sensors; Side Slip sensors; and current sensors wiring, splices and relays for signs of overheating in accordance with Embraer Service Bulletin (SB) 120-30-0030 Revision 01 dated 28 November 2000.
2. If, during the Requirement 1 check, any signs of overheating are detected, replace the affected items in accordance with SB 120-30-0030 Revision 01.
3. If, during the Requirement 1 check, signs of overheating were not detected, replace the wiring and relays in accordance with SB 120-30-0030 Revision 01.
Note 1: Incorporation of SB 120-30-0030 dated 31 January 2000 is only partial compliance with this Directive.
Note 2: CTA AD 2001-06-02 Amdt 39-907 refer.
Compliance: For Requirement 1 - Remains unchanged as “Within 400 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of the original issue of this Directive”.
For Requirement 2 - Before further flight after the Requirement 1 inspection.
For Requirement 3 - Within 2000 hours TIS after the completion of the Requirement 1 inspection.
This Amendment becomes effective on 19 June 2002.
Background: Embraer has received reports of overheating of some electrical wires that energise the Pitot/Static 1, 2 and auxiliary sensors; AoA sensors; slide slip sensor and associated current sensors. Overheating of the wires is mainly due to the heat generated at the relays and splices.
Embraer EMB-120 (Brasilia) Series Aeroplanes
AD/EMB-120/28 Amdt 1 (continued)
The original issue of this Directive required an inspection, repair of any damaged wiring found during the inspection and eventual replacement of the wiring.
This Amendment changes the compliance period for Requirement 3, aligning with that of the Brazilian Directive.
The original issue of this Airworthiness Directive became effective on 9 August 2001.
James Coyne
Delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 7 June 2002
The above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 19 June 2002.
Overview
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) introduced Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/EMB-120/28 Amendment 1 in response to reports of electrical wiring overheating in Embraer EMB-120 (Brasilia) Series Aeroplanes, particularly affecting the Pitot/Static sensors, Angle of Attack sensors, Side Slip sensors, and current sensors. The AD was enacted to address the safety issue stemming from overheating wires caused by heat generated at relays and splices. The directive aims to ensure the continued airworthiness of the affected aircraft by mandating inspections and repairs. This legislative instrument, issued under subregulation 39.1 (1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, is intended to mitigate the risk of unsafe conditions arising from the identified wiring issues. The AD became effective on 19 June 2002, following its notification in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette.
Scope and Application
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/EMB-120/28 Amdt 1 issued under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 applies specifically to Embraer EMB-120 (Brasilia) Series aeroplanes with Serial Numbers 120004 and 120006 through 120352 inclusive. The directive mandates specific actions to address the safety concern of electrical wiring overheating, which poses a significant risk to the aircraft's operation. The AD requires a visual inspection of various sensors and their associated wiring, splices, and relays for signs of overheating, and further stipulates actions to be taken based on the findings. The compliance periods for these requirements vary, with the initial inspection and potential repair needing to be completed within 400 hours time in service after the original directive's issue date, while the replacement of wiring and relays must occur within 2000 hours time in service after the initial inspection. This AD is applicable nationally, as it is issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, a federal agency, and is effective throughout the Commonwealth of Australia.
Key Provisions
The Airworthiness Directive (AD) AD/EMB-120/28 Amdt 1, issued under subregulation 39.1(1) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, addresses specific safety concerns for Embraer 120 series aeroplanes with serial numbers ranging from 120004 and 120006 through 120352 inclusive (AD/EMB-120/28). This AD requires a comprehensive inspection and corrective actions to be taken to mitigate the risk of electrical wiring overheating, which can potentially lead to unsafe conditions (Requirements 1-3). The AD mandates that aircraft owners and operators conduct these actions in accordance with Embraer Service Bulletin (SB) 120-30-0030 Revision 01 dated 28 November 2000.
The AD outlines specific obligations for aircraft owners and operators. Firstly, they must visually inspect the Pitot/Static 1, 2 and auxiliary sensors; Left and Right Hand Angle of Attack (AoA) sensors; Side Slip sensors; and current sensors wiring, splices and relays for signs of overheating (Requirement 1). If signs of overheating are detected during this inspection, the affected items must be replaced (Requirement 2). If no signs of overheating are found, the wiring and relays must still be replaced (Requirement 3). Compliance with Requirement 1 must be achieved within 400 hours time in service (TIS) after the effective date of the original issue of the AD, Requirement 2 must be completed before further flight after the inspection, and Requirement 3 must be completed within 2000 hours TIS after the completion of Requirement 1 inspection.
Failure to comply with the AD AD/EMB-120/28 Amdt 1 may result in civil and/or criminal consequences. The AD specifies that the delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority has revoked the previous AD AD/EMB-120/28, and this new AD now governs the requirements and compliance timelines. Non-compliance with the AD could potentially lead to aircraft being grounded or deemed unsafe to fly, which could result in substantial financial penalties and legal liabilities for the aircraft owners or operators. While the AD does not explicitly state maximum penalties, non-compliance with Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 can lead to fines up to $275,000 for corporations and $55,000 for individuals, as well as potential imprisonment.