Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23009 · Main rotor blades
Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109C, A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Leonardo S.p.a. Model A109C, A109E, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a quality escape on a batch of main rotor blades (MRBs). This AD requires repetitively tap inspecting certain MRBs and replacing those MRBs. This AD also prohibits installing those MRBs, 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 AD 2023-0159, dated August 10, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0159).
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0159 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0159 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the note in the material referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0159 specifies that the hammer tapping inspection must be performed only by appropriate qualified personnel in accordance with the national aviation regulation; for this AD, the tap test must be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3. These inspections must be performed by at least a Level I inspector certified in the FAA-acceptable standards for nondestructive inspection personnel.
(4) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0159 states “any deficiency;” this AD requires replacing that text with “any debonding.”
(5) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0159 states “replace that affected part with a serviceable part in accordance with the instructions of Part II of the ASB;” this AD requires replacing that text with “replace that affected part, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0159, with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0159.”
(6) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0159 states “replace each affected part with a serviceable part in accordance with the instructions of Part II of the ASB;” this AD requires replacing that text with “replace each affected part, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0159, with a serviceable part, as defined in EASA AD 2023-0159.”
(7) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0159.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0159 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
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
