Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23128 · Main rotor head
Leonardo S.p.A. Helicopters
This AD applies to Leonardo S.p.A. Model A109E, A109S, AW109SP, 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 A109E, A109S, AW109SP, A119, and AW119 MKII helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report that certain manufacturer maintenance instructions for swashplate assembly installation specified incorrect torque values for certain swashplate nuts. This AD requires repetitively inspecting certain swashplate nuts for cracks, fretting, or slippage marks and, depending on the results, performing corrective actions. 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 2025-0131, dated June 16, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0131).
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0131 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0131 refers to flight hours (FH), this AD requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(3) Where EASA AD 2025-0131 defines Group 1 helicopters as “A109E, A109LUH, A109S, AW109SP, A119 and AW119MKII helicopters, all s/n, as defined in Part I of the applicable ASB”, this AD requires replacing this text with “A109E, A109LUH, A109S, AW109SP, A119 and AW119MKII helicopters, all s/n, as defined in Planning Information, paragraph A., Effectivity, Part I, of the applicable SB”.
(4) Where EASA AD 2025-0131 states “replace the damaged affected nuts with new nuts”, this AD requires replacing that text with “replace the damaged affected nuts with unused nuts having part number NAS1805-4”.
(5) Where EASA AD 2025-0131 states “reinstall the swashplate assembly”, this AD requires replacing that text with “reconfigure the swashplate assembly”.
(6) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2025-0131 requires reinstallation of the swashplate assembly and inspections and corrective actions for certain helicopters within 2,400 FH after the effective date of EASA AD 2025-0131, this AD allows it as optional terminating action for the inspection requirement of this AD.
(7) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2025-0131.
Although the service material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0131 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
