EMB ERJ 145 ER/LR
Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
On climb up to cruise altitude; RUDDER SYS 1-2 INOP EICAS message appeared. We ran the RUDDER SYS 1-2 INOP QRH and Rudder System 1 came back online; Rudder System 2 did not. We notified Dispatch via radio. [The Dispatcher] could not get a hold of Maintenance Control; they tried a second time. We tried to relay the problem to our Dispatcher; however at that point they had a difficult time hearing us. The [Maintenance Controller] who answered said he was 'busy' and told [Dispatch] to tell us to air return. We confirmed with [our Dispatcher] 3 times via ACARS if they really wanted us to return. At this point; they confirmed it and we were only 30 minutes away from the destination airport. We checked to see if we had enough fuel to return. We landed without incident; swapped aircraft and headed back out towards destination.
EMB145 First Officer experiences a RUDDER SYS 1-2 INOP EICAS message during climb. QRH procedures are accomplished but only Rudder System 1 is returned to normal operation. Maintenance indicates that the crew should return to the departure airport; which is accomplished; although at the time they are closer to their destination.