AD/EMB-120/30 - Aileron and Elevator Rotary Variable Inductive Transducer Bellcrank Inspection

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, amended by the Civil Aviation (Airworthiness) Regulations 1998, were enacted to ensure the safety of aircraft and aeronautical products within Australian airspace. This legislation was introduced to address the need for stringent safety regulations governing aircraft operations and maintenance in Australia, in alignment with international standards. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the enforcing body, with a policy objective to maintain and enhance the safety of civil aviation through the regulation of aircraft airworthiness and the safety of aeronautical products, works, and parts. This particular Airworthiness Directive under the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 targets the Embraer EMB-120 Series aeroplanes, aiming to rectify safety issues identified by the Brazilian Departamento de Aviação Civil (DAC) concerning the aileron and elevator rotary variable inductive transducer bellcranks. The directive mandates a one-time inspection to ensure these components are properly assembled and torqued, thus preventing potential control limitations that could compromise flight safety.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically under Part 39 - 105 and the Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, establish the legal framework for maintaining the airworthiness of aircraft within Australia. This particular Airworthiness Directive (AD) applies to all Embraer EMB-120 Series Aeroplanes, specifically those with serial numbers 120004, 120006 through 120355 inclusive, which have been modified according to revisions of Embraer Service Bulletins 120-31-0039, 120-31-0040, 120-31-0041 or 120-31-0042. The AD mandates a one-time inspection of the aileron and elevator rotary variable inductive transducer bellcrank assemblies to ensure proper assembly and correct torquing of the attaching bolt. This inspection must be performed in accordance with Embraer Alert Service Bulletin 120-31-A046 and completed within 50 hours of the AD's effective date, which is 7 August 2001. The AD is issued by a delegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and becomes effective on the date it is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette.

Key Provisions

The main operative sections of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically PART 39 - 105 SCHEDULE OF AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES, include the applicability and requirement sections. The applicability section (105.10) specifies which aircraft models and serial numbers are subject to the directive, namely all Embraer EMB-120 Series Aeroplanes with specific serial numbers that have been modified in accordance with certain Embraer Service Bulletins. The requirement section (105.11) mandates a one-time inspection of the aileron and elevator rotary variable inductive transducer (RVIT) bellcrank assemblies, following procedures outlined in Embraer Alert SB 120-31-A046, to ensure proper assembly and correct torque of the attaching bolts. This inspection must be carried out within 50 hours of the directive's effective date. The obligations imposed by this Airworthiness Directive (AD) on the relevant parties primarily involve conducting the specified inspection of the RVIT bellcrank assemblies. Aircraft operators must ensure that the inspection is performed by qualified personnel in accordance with the procedures described in Embraer Alert SB 120-31-A046. This includes verifying that the bellcranks are correctly assembled and that the bolts attaching the bellcranks are torqued to the specified values. Failure to comply with these obligations may compromise the safety of the aircraft and result in non-compliance with regulatory standards. Breaches of this Airworthiness Directive may result in civil or criminal consequences, depending on the severity and intent of the non-compliance. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to enforce compliance with ADs under the Civil Aviation Act 1988 and the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998. Penalties for non-compliance can include fines, enforcement notices, and in severe cases, prosecution under the criminal law. The maximum penalties can vary, but they may include substantial fines and imprisonment, reflecting the seriousness of failing to address safety directives that are critical to aviation safety.