Overview
Title
Airworthiness Directives; Yaborã Indústria Aeronáutica S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Embraer S.A.) Airplanes
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FAA says some airplanes have a computer problem that might give the wrong speed settings for taking off. They want airplane owners to update the computer so everyone stays safe in the sky.
Summary AI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain models of Yaborã Indústria Aeronáutica airplanes. This directive was prompted by issues with the automatic takeoff thrust control system that provides incorrect calculations under certain conditions. To address this safety concern, the AD requires updating the software in the engine control systems to prevent potential performance issues during takeoff. The directive is effective from March 30, 2021, and aims to ensure safety by mandating these updates for the affected aircraft models.
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Yabor[atilde] Ind[uacute]stria Aeron[aacute]utica S.A. Model EMB-135, EMB-145, -145EP, -145ER, -145LR, -145MP, -145MR, and -145XR airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports that calculations provided by the automatic takeoff thrust control system (ATTCS) are incorrect under certain conditions. This AD requires updating the software of the installed full authority digital engine control (FADEC) systems, as specified in an Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, has issued a new airworthiness directive intended to enhance safety for certain Yaborã Indústria Aeronáutica airplanes. This directive addresses potential risks associated with the automatic takeoff thrust control system (ATTCS), which has been found to provide incorrect calculations under specific conditions. As a precautionary measure, the FAA requires software updates to the full authority digital engine control (FADEC) systems installed in these aircraft. These changes are designed to mitigate performance reductions during takeoff and ensure aircraft can operate safely.
Significant Issues or Concerns
The document heavily relies on technical aviation terminology, such as 'FADEC' and 'ATTCS,' which might be challenging for individuals not familiar with the industry to understand. Furthermore, the document refers to legal and regulatory directives like 'Executive Order 12866' without providing simplified explanations, potentially confusing readers unfamiliar with these specific orders.
Contact emails and web addresses are embedded within the text but are not clickable links, potentially reducing accessibility for users engaged with digital versions. This lack of interactivity may hinder easy access to additional resources or compliance materials.
Broad Public Impact
For the general public, this directive underscores the FAA's commitment to aviation safety by ensuring aircraft systems function optimally during critical flight phases like takeoff. While the airworthiness directive sets high safety standards, it reflects the complexity and rigor of aviation regulations that exist to protect everyone who flies.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Aircraft Operators: The most immediate effect of this directive is on aircraft operators of the specified models. They must comply with the required software updates, possibly incurring costs related to implementation and minimal operational downtime.
Manufacturers and Maintenance Personnel: These groups may encounter an increase in demand for expertise related to the FADEC systems' software updates. This may create opportunities for those familiar with these systems, although it might also entail additional training or resources.
Regulatory and Legal Professionals: The directive engages with multiple levels of regulation and oversight, offering a practical application of administrative law principles. Those involved in compliance and aviation law must remain conversant with both the technical and legal components of such directives.
The document also lacks details regarding the costs associated with obtaining necessary ANAC materials for compliance, leading to potential uncertainties regarding the overall financial burden on operators. Furthermore, while it notes that no public comments were received, the absence of detailed feedback may hint at a shortcoming in public engagement or awareness. Improving transparency about public consultation results could enhance the document's credibility and stakeholder trust.
Issues
• The document contains specialized aviation terminology (e.g., 'FADEC', 'ATTCS', 'ANAC AD 2020-07-02') that may be difficult to understand for individuals not familiar with the aviation industry. Simplified explanations or a glossary could improve clarity.
• The references to regulations and legal directives, such as 'Executive Order 12866' and 'Regulatory Flexibility Act', are complex and assume familiarity. They could be clarified for readers unfamiliar with these specific directives.
• The document references contact emails and websites within the text (e.g., 'email pac@anac.gov.br'), which may not be clickable links, thus reducing user accessibility. Hyperlinking in digital versions would enhance usability.
• The document does not provide specific cost details for compliance, such as estimated costs or a financial impact analysis, which could help stakeholders better understand the economic implications.
• The document mentions ANAC material needed for compliance but does not clarify if there are costs associated with obtaining it, leading to uncertainty about full compliance costs.
• There is no information on how public feedback was considered in finalizing the rule, except for the mention of no comments received, which could indicate a lack of engagement or transparency in the public consultation process.