Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21627 · Main rotor mast/swashplate
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139, AW139, and AW189 helicopters, certificated in any category, equipped with a main rotor swashplate boot, having part number (P/N) 3G6230V00251.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139, AW139, and AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of the in-flight failure of one of the three stainless steel external rings bonded to the main rotor swashplate boot. This AD requires repetitive inspections of these stainless steel external rings for corrosion, cracks, and the condition of the adhesive that bonds the rings to the main rotor swashplate boot, and corrective action if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0271, dated December 8, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0271).
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0271 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2020-0271 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2020-0271 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where paragraphs (3) and (6) of EASA AD 2020-0271 refer to “any discrepancy” or “discrepancies,” for this AD, discrepancies include corrosion (including superficial oxidation) and cracking.
(5) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2020-0271 refers to “any discrepancy,” for this AD, discrepancies include corrosion (including superficial oxidation), cracking, and damage to the adhesive (e.g., disbonding).
(6) Paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2020-0271 specifies to report inspection results to Leonardo S.p.a. within a certain compliance time. For this AD, report inspection results at the applicable time specified in paragraph (h)(6)(i) or (ii) of this AD.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date 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
