Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21721 · Auto flight system
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certificated in any category, identified in paragraphs (c)(1) and (2) of this AD, equipped with “Primus Epic” system software release 7.4 (Phase 7 V1), 7.7 (Phase 7 V3) or 7.10 (Phase 7 V4).
(1) Model AB139 and AW19 helicopters having serial number (S/N) 31005, 31006, and S/Ns 31008 through 31157 inclusive; and S/Ns 41001 through 41023 inclusive.
(2) Model AW139 helicopters having S/N 31201 and subsequent, and S/N 41201 and subsequent.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of spurious in-flight disconnections of the automatic flight control system (AFCS). This AD requires updating certain "Primus Epic" system software, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now 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 Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0002, dated January 4, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0002).
(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0002 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018-0002 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2018-0002 does not apply to this AD.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0002 specifies to download an option file from a certain website, that method of installation is not required by this AD.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2018-0002 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
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
