AD/EMB-120/8 - Electrical Power Wiring

Overview

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, administered by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) under the Civil Aviation Act 1988, were enacted to ensure the safety and efficiency of civil aviation within Australia. The specific legislative instrument F2006B09525, AD/EMB-120/8, issued as part of the Civil Aviation Regulations, targets the safety of the Embraer EMB-120 (Brasilia) Series aeroplanes by mandating specific actions to mitigate identified risks. This airworthiness directive was introduced to address a critical issue related to the electrical power wiring of Embraer EMB-120 aircraft, particularly those prior to serial number 120280, where there was a reported failure of the “Bus 3 Contactor” relay. The directive's policy objective is to ensure the correct wiring of the “DC Bus 1” feed wire, thus preventing potential overheating and associated hazards such as smoke and fire in the cockpit, thereby enhancing overall flight safety. Compliance with this directive is required at the next scheduled Type “A” maintenance inspection following the directive's issuance on 22 July 1993.

Scope and Application

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically Part 39 - 105, under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority's Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, pertains to the Embraer EMB-120 (Brasilia) Series Aeroplanes. This regulation applies to all Embraer EMB-120 aircraft that were manufactured prior to serial number 120280, mandating compliance with Embraer Service Bulletin No 120-24-0047 dated 26 February 1993. This directive references CTA (Brazil) AD 93-05-02 Amendment 39-717. The requirement outlined in the directive necessitates action to address the wiring issue, which involves ensuring that the electrical power wiring adheres to the specifications set forth to prevent potential overheating and related hazards. Compliance with this directive must be achieved at the next scheduled Type “A” maintenance inspection following the date of 22 July 1993. The directive's scope is strictly limited to the specified Embraer aircraft models and does not extend to other types of aircraft or aviation equipment, thereby ensuring targeted safety measures for the affected fleet.

Key Provisions

The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, specifically in Part 39 - 105 under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority Schedule of Airworthiness Directives, address the Embraer EMB-120 (Brasilia) Series Aeroplanes with AD/EMB-120/8 concerning electrical power wiring (section 105.050). This directive applies to all Embraer EMB-120 aircraft prior to serial number 120280, necessitating compliance with Embraer Service Bulletin No 120-24-0047 dated 26 February 1993. This requirement aims to mitigate the risk of electrical failures that could lead to smoke in the cockpit and overheating of the wiring. The obligations under this directive are clear: owners and operators of the specified Embraer EMB-120 aircraft must ensure that the electrical wiring is modified in accordance with the specified service bulletin. This action must be carried out during the next scheduled Type “A” maintenance inspection following 22 July 1993. The directive references CTA (Brazil) AD 93-05-02 Amendment 39-717, providing a framework for compliance and ensuring that all necessary modifications are documented and verified by certified personnel. Failure to comply with the requirements of AD/EMB-120/8 could result in significant safety risks, including potential electrical fires in the cockpit. The Civil Aviation Regulations 1998 do not explicitly state penalties for non-compliance in this section, but non-compliance could lead to broader enforcement actions under the broader regulatory framework of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Such actions might include fines, suspension or revocation of airworthiness certificates, or other regulatory sanctions to ensure that aircraft remain safe and airworthy. In summary, the Embraer EMB-120 electrical power wiring directive mandates specific modifications to prevent electrical failures that could compromise safety. Compliance with this directive is mandatory and must be verified during scheduled maintenance inspections. While specific penalties are not detailed in this directive, non-compliance could result in severe regulatory consequences under the overarching aviation safety legislation.