EASA AD BR-2026-01-02
Horizontal Stabilizers Elevator and Wing Aileron Control Systems - Inspections
Summary
Brazilian Airworthiness Directive 2026-01-02 is a regulatory document issued by ANAC that applies to all Embraer S.A. airplanes model EMB-545 and EMB-550. It mandates inspections and maintenance actions on the horizontal stabilizers elevator and wing aileron control systems to address unexpected wear found in hinge bearing assemblies. The directive includes detailed functional checks and replacement intervals to ensure continued airworthiness and flight safety.
What Changed
This new directive introduces mandatory functional checks of the left-hand and right-hand horizontal stabilizer elevator and wing aileron control system backlash, along with scheduled replacement of the associated bearings. It specifies compliance intervals based on flight hours and provides detailed instructions referencing Embraer Service Bulletin Nº 550-57-0007 revision 02. An errata was also issued to correct a printing error regarding the functional check procedures.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk caused by excessive backlash that can lead to limit cycle oscillations, potentially compromising aircraft controllability and structural integrity. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent vibration-related damage and ensure safe flight operations. Compliance teams need to track flight hours accurately to meet inspection and replacement deadlines.
What To Do
Operators must perform functional checks of the horizontal stabilizer elevator and wing aileron control system backlash before reaching specified flight hour thresholds, and replace bearings according to the intervals defined in the directive. Troubleshooting must be conducted if failures are detected during inspections. All actions must be recorded in maintenance logs, and alternative compliance methods require ANAC approval. Compliance deadlines vary based on accumulated flight hours, with initial checks required before 6,000 flight hours and bearing replacements scheduled within 100 flight hours or two months after the directive's effective date.
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