Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22698 · Main rotor gearbox
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
This AD applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a determination that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD requires revising the airworthiness limitations section (ALS) of the existing helicopter maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) for your helicopter and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program for your helicopter, as applicable, 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) AD 2023-0161, dated August 16, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0161).
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0161 defines “the ALS” as “Leonardo AW189 document 89-A-AMPI-00-P (Air Vehicle Maintenance Planning Information), Chapter 04, Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Issue 025, applicable for helicopters equipped with General Electric (GE) CT7-2E1 engines; or document 89-E-AMPI-00-P (Air Vehicle Maintenance Planning Information), Chapter 04, ALS Issue 09, applicable for helicopters equipped with SAFRAN ANETO-1K engines.;” for this AD, replace that definition with “Leonardo AW189 document 89-A-AMPI-00-P, Air Vehicle Maintenance Planning Information, Chapter 4, Airworthiness Limitations, Issue 25, dated July 5, 2023 (for helicopters equipped with General Electric CT7-2E1 engines).”
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0161 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) This AD does not adopt the requirements specified in paragraphs (1), (2), (4), and (5) of EASA AD 2023-0161.
(4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0161 specifies “Within 12 months after the effective date of this AD, revise the approved AMP,” this AD requires replacing those words with “Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, revise the airworthiness limitations section of your existing helicopter maintenance manual or instructions for continued airworthiness and your existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable.”
(5) The initial compliance time for doing the tasks specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0161 is on or before the applicable “limitations” and “associated thresholds” as incorporated by the requirements of paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0161, or within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later.
(6) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0161.
No alternative actions and associated thresholds and intervals, including life limits, are allowed for compliance with paragraph (g) of this AD unless they are approved as specified in the provisions of the “Ref. Publications” section of EASA AD 2023-0161.
