Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22832 · 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 multiple reports of cracks found on tail rotor (TR) damper bracket assemblies. This AD requires accomplishing repetitive detailed visual inspections (DVIs) of certain part-numbered TR damper bracket assemblies for corrosion and cracks and, depending on the results, taking corrective action. This AD also prohibits installing an affected TR damper bracket assembly unless it is new. These actions 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 2022-0205, dated October 4, 2022 (EASA AD 2022-0205).
(1) Where EASA AD 2022-0205 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2022-0205 refers to its effective date and August 15, 2022 (the effective date of EASA AD 2022-0154, dated August 1, 2022), this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0205 states to “replace the affected part with a serviceable part in accordance with the instructions of section 3 of the ASB;” for this AD, replace that text with “remove the affected part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0205, from service and replace it with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2022-0205, in accordance with the instructions of section 3 of the ASB.”
(4) Where the material referenced in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0205 specifies to perform detailed visual inspections (DVIs) and “If no cracks are found, but suspected evidences of corrosion signs are found, gently polish the interested area,” for the purposes of this AD, “suspected signs of corrosion” and “suspected evidences of corrosion signs” are signs of discoloration, pitting, flaking, or rust stains.
(5) Where the material referenced in paragraph (4) of EASA AD 2022-0205 specifies to discard certain parts, this AD requires removing those parts from service.
(6) This AD does not require compliance with paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2022-0205.
(7) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2022-0205.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2022-0205 specifies to reporting 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
