Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21534 · Auto flight system
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters, certificated in any category, with automatic flight control system (AFCS) software part number (P/N) 6F2210AS0102 or previous versions installed.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. This AD was prompted by false simultaneous in-flight disengagement of automatic flight control system (AFCS) channels 1 and 2. This AD requires temporarily revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. This AD also requires installing an AFCS software upgrade and concurrently removing that RFM revision. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) Within 15 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, revise the Limitations Section of the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter by adding the information in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD. Inserting a different document with information identical to the information in Figure 1 to paragraph (g)(1) of this AD is acceptable for compliance with the requirements of this paragraph. This action may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with § 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and § 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by § 91.417, § 121.380, or § 135.439.
(2) Within 100 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD:
(i) Install AFCS software P/N 6F2210AS0103 by following Section 3., the Accomplishment Instructions, paragraph 3., of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin No. 169-064, dated August 9, 2017, and concurrently
(ii) Remove the RFM revision required by paragraph (g)(1) of this AD.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
