Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22754 · Glide slope system
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 report of abnormal oscillatory behavior during automated glide slope approaches, due to sealant on the glide slope (G/S) antenna coaxial connectors. This AD requires visually inspecting certain G/S antennas and G/S antenna coaxial connectors for the presence of any sealant; cleaning parts and removing any sealant; performing an external G/S acceptance test procedure (ATP); and taking corrective actions if necessary. This AD would also prohibit installing certain G/S antennas and G/S antenna coaxial connecters. 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 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 2022-0010, dated January 20, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0010).
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0010 states “flight hours;” for this AD, replace that text with “hours time-in-service.”
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0010 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states “in accordance with the instructions of Part I of the ASB;” for this AD, replace that text with “in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 4 and 5 of the ASB.”
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states “in accordance with the instructions of Part I of the ASB;” for this AD, replace that text with “in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 6.3 (including the two cautions above paragraph 6.3) through 6.5 (but not paragraphs 6.5.1 and 6.5.2) of the ASB.”
(5) Where paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0010 state “discrepancy;” for this AD, replace that text with “discrepancy, which is one or more “fail” results in the acceptance test procedure.”
(6) Where paragraphs (4) and (5) of EASA AD 2022-0010 state to “replace the/those affected parts with serviceable parts;” for this AD, replace that text with “remove the affected part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0010, from service and replace it with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0010. Thereafter, after installing a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0010, before further flight, accomplish an acceptance test procedure (ATP) in accordance with the instructions of Annex A of the ASB.”
(7) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0010 specifies discarding existing hardware, this AD requires removing the existing hardware from service.
(8) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states “in accordance with the instructions of Part I of the ASB;” for this AD, replace that text with “in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraphs 9 through 11 of the ASB.”
(9) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2022-0010 states “in accordance with the instructions of Part II of the ASB;” for this AD, replace that text with “in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 2 through 4 of the ASB.”
(10) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0010.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2022-0010 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
