Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22281 · Doors
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a protruding pushbutton screw (screw) on a cockpit door internal handle resulting in an interference with the collective stick travel. This AD requires inspecting each screw and depending on the results, modifying the cockpit door handle and reporting information, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also prohibits installing an affected door handle assembly unless certain actions are accomplished. 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 Emergency AD 2022-0233-E, dated November 30, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0233-E).
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0233-E requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0233-E refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0233-E specifies “check for condition and proper tightening of the cockpit door handle screw. In case of any anomalies or screw loose, report the finding to Product Support Engineering;” for this AD, replace that text with “inspect the screw for a discrepancy, which may be indicated by a protruding screw head, improper torque, or loose screw. If there is any discrepancy, before further flight, replace the screw with an airworthy screw.” Inspection results are still required to be reported in accordance with paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0233-E.
(4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0233-E specifies reporting inspection results to Leonardo S.p.a. within 7 days after completing an inspection that detects any discrepancy or loose screw, this AD requires reporting those inspection results at the applicable compliance time in paragraph (h)(4)(i) or (ii) of this AD. Additionally, for the purposes of this AD, a discrepancy may be indicated by a protruding screw head, improper torque, or loose screw.
(i) If the inspection was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after completing the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.
(5) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD 2022-0233-E.
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
