EASA AD BR-2024-04-02R1
Fuselage - Center I Longitudinal Skin Splices Frames 22 and 23 - Inspections
Summary
Brazilian Airworthiness Directive AD No. 2024-04-02R01 is issued by the Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) and applies to all Embraer S.A. EMB-120 series airplanes, including EMB-120, EMB120RT, EMB-120ER, EMB-120FC, and EMB-120QC models. The directive mandates inspections of the fuselage center I longitudinal skin splices and skin panels at frames 22 and 23 to detect potential structural cracks. These inspections use high-frequency eddy current methods as detailed in the EMB-120 Nondestructive Inspection Manual.
What Changed
This AD cancels and supersedes AD No. 2024-04-02 and introduces a grace period for airplanes nearing the initial inspection flight cycle limit. It also adds specific instructions for actions to take if discrepancies are found during inspections, including referencing the Structural Repair Manual or consulting Embraer for repairs. The revision clarifies inspection intervals and reporting requirements.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for maintaining the structural integrity of affected Embraer EMB-120 aircraft by preventing undetected crack propagation in the fuselage skin splices. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure timely inspections to avoid potential safety risks and regulatory non-compliance. The AD helps mitigate risks associated with structural damage that could compromise flight safety.
What To Do
Operators must perform initial high-frequency eddy current inspections of the fuselage center I longitudinal skin splice and skin panel at frames 22 and 23 before accumulating 50,000 flight cycles or within 800 flight cycles if already beyond 49,200 cycles at the AD effective date. Repetitive inspections are required every 5,000 flight cycles thereafter. Any detected damage must be addressed per the Structural Repair Manual or through Embraer consultation. Inspection reports must be submitted within 96 hours to ANAC and Embraer contacts.