EMB ERJ 170/175 ER/LR
Troubleshooting; Time Pressure
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
General Maintenance Action
Procedure; Human Factors; Incorrect / Not Installed / Unavailable Part
An Embraer arrived with a scheduled job card for [an operational check of all flight control system power control units]. I started performing the task and the lower rudder PCU failed the check. I notified the hangar and they picked up the aircraft to take to the hangar for PCU change. I discovered that the aircraft [had been in another station the previous night]. Maintenance had deferred this job card with a memo of 'need rudder actuator'. They did not properly defer the task card with maintenance control. They were aware of a failed lower rudder PCU and failed to take the necessary steps to fix it. This means the airplane was illegally flown due to the [known] faulty lower rudder PCU. The part was already requested and stated ensure on hand on the cover page of the task card. Suggestions: If you find something broke; fix it or follow the proper procedures to allow the aircraft to fly legally.
A Maintenance Technician that was assigned to accomplish a maintenance task card discovered that the card had been started at a previous station. The card and the identified defect were not properly addressed and appear to have been flown out of compliance with the maintenance program.