Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22070 · Fuselage structure
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certificated in any category, with an affected part as identified in European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2021-0259, dated November 17, 2021, and corrected November 22, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0259).
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 a large crack detected on the tail gearbox (TGB) fitting during a scheduled inspection and the determination that certain TGB fittings are required to be inspected by the use of a borescope. This AD requires a one-time borescope inspection of certain part-numbered TGB fittings, and depending on the inspection results, removing the affected part from service and replacing with an airworthy part, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference (IBR). 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 2021-0259.
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0259 requires compliance in terms of flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0259 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0259 specifies “inspect, using a borescope, the affected part in accordance with the instructions of Section 3 Part I of the ASB,” for this AD replace “in accordance with the instructions of Section 3 Part I of the ASB” with “in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Section 3 Part I, paragraphs 5. through 5.5 of the ASB.”
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0259 specifies “if, during the inspection as required by paragraph (1) this AD, a crack or any discrepancy is detected, replace the affected part in accordance with the instructions of Section 3 Part II of the ASB,” this AD requires before further flight, removing the TGB fitting from service and replacing with an airworthy part, if any crack or discrepancy is detected. For this AD, discrepancies include damage, which includes scratches and dents on the outer surfaces of the forward and right-hand sides of the TGB fitting above the horizontal row of fastener holes. The instructions specified in paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2021-0259 are for reference only and are not required for the replacement required by this paragraph.
(5) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2021-0259 allows (re)installing an affected part provided it is inspected as required by paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0259, for this AD, the inspected part cannot be (re)installed if any crack or discrepancy is detected.
(6) This AD does not mandate compliance with paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0259.
(7) This AD does not mandate compliance with the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0259.
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
