Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. Airplanes
Key claim: The FAA proposes requiring operators of Embraer EMB-545 and EMB-550 jets to install updated flight-control computer software and a new flight-manual revision, which would replace earlier speed and approach restrictions tied to angle-of-attack limiter problems.
Abstract
(Proposed Rule · Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration) The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2024-05-13, which applied to all Embraer S.A. Model EMB-545 and EMB-550 airplanes. AD 2024-05-13 requires revising the Limitations and Normal Procedures sections of the existing airplane flight manual (AFM) to incorporate new operational airspeed limitations, and flight control limitations and approach procedures when angle of attack (AOA) limiter protection is engaged. AD 2024-05-13 also requires inspecting records for instances of AOA limiter engagement during a certain phase of flight and reporting findings to the FAA. Since the FAA issued AD 2024- 05-13, the manufacturer developed a modification to the flight control computer (FCC) software and related AFM revisions. This proposed AD would continue to require certain actions in AD 2024-05-13. This proposed AD would also require updating the FCC software and incorporating a new revision of the existing AFM, which would terminate the operational airspeed limitations, and flight control limitations and approach procedures when AOA limiter protection is engaged. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Why this matters
Angle-of-attack limiter faults have been a recurring driver of operational restrictions on Embraer business jets, previously addressed through interim speed and approach limits in the flight manual. This proposal moves from procedural workarounds to a software fix plus updated flight-manual guidance, consolidating the fleet under a single corrective action.