Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22635 · Main rotor system
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109E, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109E, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was prompted by multiple reports of excessive axial play on the ball bearing of the lower half of the main rotor (MR) rotating scissor assembly. This AD requires one-time scissor coupling and axial play inspections and repetitive quantitative axial play inspections and, depending on the results, additional inspections and replacing certain parts. This AD also requires reporting information and prohibits installing certain parts unless certain inspections have been accomplished. These requirements are 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 paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2022-0037, dated March 7, 2022; corrected March 15, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0037).
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0037 defines Affected part “as identified in the ASB;” for this AD, replace that text with “as identified in Table 2 of Leonardo Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin (ASB) No. 109EP-177, Leonardo Helicopters ASB No. 109S-105, Leonardo Helicopters ASB No. 109SP-149, or Leonardo Helicopters ASB No. 119-111, each Revision A and dated March 3, 2022, and as applicable to your model helicopter.”
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0037 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where EASA AD 2022-0037 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(4) Where EASA AD 2022-0037 refers to a torque force check, this AD requires a torque force inspection. Where EASA AD 2022-0037 refers to a scissor coupling check, this AD requires a scissor coupling inspection. Where EASA AD 2022-0037 refers to an axial play check, this AD requires an axial play inspection. Where EASA AD 2022-0037 refers to a quantitative axial play check, this AD requires a quantitative axial play inspection. Where EASA AD 2022-0037 refers to a dimensional check, this AD requires a dimensional inspection.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0037 specifies to use tooling, this AD allows the use of equivalent tooling.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0037 specifies discarding parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(7) Where the service information referenced in paragraphs (1), (4.2), (5.2), and (6) of EASA AD 2022-0037 specifies to contact Leonardo Helicopters for instructions as a result of the M/R rotating scissor maximum torque force check, this AD requires corrective action done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(8) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0037 specifies to “interpret the results (PASSED or FAILED) in accordance with the instructions of PART I of the ASB;” for this AD, replace that text with, “interpret the results by using Tables 1 and 2 to paragraph (h)(8) of this AD and the inspection results recorded in Annex E of the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0037.”
| Maximum torque force check | Dimensional check | 2nd maximum torque force check | Scissor coupling check outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passed | N/A | N/A | Passed. |
| Failed | Passed | Passed | Passed. |
| Failed | Failed | N/A | Failed. |
| Failed | Passed | Failed | Failed. |
| Axial play value is 0.25 mm or less | Passed. |
| Axial play value is more than 0.25 mm or the ball bearing is dislodged | Failed. |
(9) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0037. This AD also does not include Note 1 of EASA AD 2022-0037.
(10) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2022-0037 specifies compliance times of “200 FH;” for this AD, replace each instance of that text with, “55 hours time-in-service.” This AD does not include Note 3 of EASA AD 2022-0037.
(11) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0037 cautions that only approved personnel (Leonardo Helicopters facilities, Leonardo authorized component repair centers within the approved capabilities or customers trained by Leonardo Helicopters for specific activities) are permitted to perform the bushing replacement; this AD does not include those cautions.
(12) Where paragraph (10) of EASA AD 2022-0037 specifies reporting inspection results (including the inspection results of no findings) to Leonardo within 30 days, this AD requires reporting inspection results at the applicable time in paragraph (h)(12)(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 30 days after the inspection.
(ii) If the inspection was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.
(13) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0037.
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
