Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22328 · Tail rotor system
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a damaged tail rotor duplex bearing (TRDB). This AD requires repetitively inspecting certain TRDBs and depending on the results, replacing the TRDB or tail rotor actuator (TRA), or as an option, replacing the sliding control assembly. This AD also requires replacing an affected TRDB with a serviceable TRDB at a specified threshold and prohibits the installation of certain TRDBs or sliding control assemblies on any helicopter, as specified in a 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 paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2022-0182-E, dated August 30, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0182-E).
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0182-E requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0182-E refers to July 28, 2022 (the effective date of EASA AD 2022-0152-E, dated July 26, 2022) and its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0182-E specifies discarding certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0182-E specifies returning a part to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
(5) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0182-E does not apply to this AD.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0182-E 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
