Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21763 · Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters, certificated in any category, with an affected part as identified in European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD 2018-0280, dated December 17, 2018 (EASA AD 2018-0280).
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of damage to a rigid connecting link (rod), and loosening of the nut on the upper rod end. This AD requires a visual inspection of the affected rods for damage, cracks, or abnormal play, and corrective actions if necessary, 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, EASA AD 2018-0280.
(1) Where EASA AD 2018-0280 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2018-0280 requires compliance from its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2018-0280 specifies action if “any discrepancy” is found, for this AD, discrepancies include damage, cracks, and evidence of abnormal play.
(4) Where the service information specified in EASA AD 2018-0280 specifies to “replace the damaged connecting link”, for this AD, if any damage or cracks are found, remove the rod from service.
(5) Where the service information specified in EASA AD 2018-0280 specifies to “contact Leonardo Helicopters” if abnormal play is detected, for this AD if any abnormal play is detected, corrective action must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.a.'s EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(6) Where EASA AD 2018-0280 requires reporting inspection results to Leonardo S.p.a. within 14 days after the effective date of EASA AD 2018-0280, this AD requires reporting inspection results at the applicable time 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 14 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 14 days after the effective date of this AD.
(7) This AD does not require the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2018-0280.
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
