EASA AD BR-2020-07-02
Engine Fuel & Control - Full Authority Digital Engine Control - Software Update
Summary
Brazilian Airworthiness Directive AD No. 2020-07-02 is a regulatory document issued by the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) that mandates a software update for the Full Authority Digital Engine Control (FADEC) systems installed on various Yaborã Indústria Aeronáutica S.A. aircraft models including EMB-135 and EMB-145 series equipped with specific FADEC part numbers. The directive addresses safety concerns related to the Automatic Takeoff Thrust Control System (ATTCS) calculations during single-engine and anti-ice operations.
What Changed
This new directive requires updating the FADEC software to versions B9.4 or B9.4.1 to correct the ATTCS system's failure to account for engine air bleed during certain operations. It introduces mandatory compliance with specific Embraer service bulletins for the software update across affected aircraft and engines. The use of FADEC software versions prior to B9.4 is discontinued from the date of the update.
Why It Matters
The update is critical to ensure accurate thrust control calculations during takeoff, preventing over-prediction of operational margins that could compromise safe takeoff performance. For operators and maintenance organizations, compliance reduces the risk of engine performance issues under single-engine and anti-ice conditions, enhancing flight safety. Compliance teams must track and document the software update to meet regulatory requirements and maintain airworthiness.
What To Do
Operators must update the FADEC software on all affected aircraft to version B9.4 or B9.4.1 within 18 months from the effective date of July 21, 2020. The update must be performed following the applicable Embraer service bulletins approved by ANAC. Records of compliance should be entered into the aircraft maintenance logbooks, and alternative compliance methods require prior approval from ANAC's certification branch.
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