Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23027 · Battery/charger system
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. Model 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 A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of an electrical failure of the starter-generator, due to a rupture of the drive shaft, which resulted in a partial loss of battery power. This AD requires installing a battery discharge detector and revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for the helicopter. 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.
(1) 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 2023-0210, dated November 27, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0210).
(2) The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual for the helicopter and must enter compliance with this requirement into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0210 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0210 specifies contacting the STC holder for Model AW119 MKII helicopters modified by STC SR03280NY, this AD requires installing a battery discharge detector in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA.
(3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0210 specifies “by means of existing hardware,” this AD requires “airworthy hardware.”
(4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0210 specifies to “retain hardware,” this AD requires replacing that text with, “retain only airworthy hardware.”
(5) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0210 specifies to inform all flight crews and, thereafter, operate the helicopter accordingly, this AD does not require those actions.
(6) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2023-0210 states “which includes the same content as,” this AD requires replacing that text with “with information identical to that in the “Battery discharging (BATT DISCH)” and “Failure of the generator and d.c. bus (DC GEN)” procedures of the Emergency Procedures section of.”
(7) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0210.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0210 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
