Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21999 · Tail rotor system
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109C, A109K2, A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-17- 18, which applied to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109C, A109K2, A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters. AD 2021-17-18 required an inspection of certain tail rotor (TR) sleeve assemblies for discrepancies, an inspection of certain TR shaft assemblies for discrepancies, a repetitive measurement of the position of the bushing of the TR sleeve assembly in relation to the pitch change slider assembly, and corrective actions if necessary. This AD retains the requirements of AD 2021-17-18, and also requires repetitive inspections of the TR sleeve assemblies, and corrective actions if necessary, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD was prompted by a determination that additional actions are required to address the unsafe condition. This AD was also prompted by a report of a crack on the TR mast. 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 2021-0144, dated June 17, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0144).
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0144 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using September 7, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-17-18).
(2) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0144 does not apply to this AD.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021-0144 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0144 specifies a compliance time of 25 FH or 3 months, whichever occurs first, this AD requires compliance within 25 hours time-in-service after September 7, 2021 (the effective date of AD 2021-17-18).
(5) Where Note 1 of EASA AD 2021-0144 specifies a tolerance of 30 FH, this AD does not allow a tolerance.
(6) The initial compliance time for the inspection specified in paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2021-0144 is at the compliance time specified in paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2021-0144, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(7) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2021-0144 states the term “discrepancies,” for the purposes of this AD discrepancies include dents, corrosion, elongation, scratches, wear, excessive wear (web visible), fretting, or stepping.
(8) Where paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2021-0144 states the term “discrepancies,” for the purposes of this AD discrepancies include abnormal wear condition, corrosion, fretting, crack, or damage (including dents, elongation, scratches, or stepping).
(9) Where EASA AD 2021-0144 defines “serviceable part,” and that definition specifies instructions that are “approved under Leonardo Design Organization Approval (DOA) or by EASA,” for this AD, the repair must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.a.'s EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(10) Where Note 2 and paragraph (7) of EASA AD 2021-0144 specify instructions that are “approved under Leonardo DOA or by EASA,” for this AD, the repair must be accomplished using a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.a.'s EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(11) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0144 specifies to contact the manufacturer for corrective action, this AD requires the repair to be done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation and Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.a.'s EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(12) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0144 specifies to discard a certain part, this AD requires removing that part from service.
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
