EASA AD 2017-0255
Landing Gear — Main Landing Gear Weight on Wheels Support Bracket — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2017-0255 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency affecting Leonardo S.p.A. AW169 helicopters. It addresses the main landing gear weight on wheels (WoW) support bracket, specifically for certain serial numbers of left-hand and right-hand main landing gear assemblies. The directive mandates a modification to prevent loosening of the WoW support to ensure proper switch performance.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory design modification involving the application of structural glue between the WoW support and the main fitting of the main landing gear. It requires operators to modify affected landing gear assemblies within a specified timeframe and restricts installation of certain landing gear parts unless the modification has been completed.
Why It Matters
The modification is critical to prevent rotation and improper performance of the WoW switch, which could degrade helicopter attitude stabilization and reduce control during flight. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of AW169 helicopters, helping operators and maintenance organizations avoid potential in-flight control issues.
What To Do
Operators must modify the WoW support on affected left and right main landing gear assemblies within 60 flight hours or 3 months from the effective date of 29 December 2017, whichever occurs first. Additionally, installation of specified landing gear assemblies on any helicopter is only allowed if the WoW support modification has been completed according to Leonardo or Magnaghi Aeronautica service bulletins.
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