Tail Rotor Drive – Gearbox Output Shaft – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2020-0206, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Leonardo A119 and AW119MKII helicopters with affected tail rotor gearboxes must perform inspections within 25 flight hours or 3 months from 7 August 2018, and then every 100 flight hours or 6 months. If corrosion is detected, the affected part must be replaced before further flight. Installation of affected parts is allowed only if they are serviceable and inspected as required.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0156 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency concerning Leonardo S.p.A. A119 and AW119MKII helicopters. It addresses corrosion issues found on the 90° tail rotor gearbox output shaft, specifically parts with part numbers 109-0440-06-101 and 109-0440-06-105. The directive mandates inspections and possible replacement of affected tail rotor gearboxes to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0156 introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of specific 90° tail rotor gearboxes on A119 and AW119MKII helicopters to detect corrosion. It requires replacement of any affected parts found to be corroded and defines serviceable parts and installation conditions. This AD is an interim measure pending further investigation and may be followed by additional directives.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as corrosion in the tail rotor gearbox can lead to tail rotor failure, compromising helicopter control and safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential accidents and ensure regulatory compliance. The AD impacts maintenance scheduling and parts management for affected helicopter fleets.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters A109
All 51- EASA AD 2026-0168Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box and Chip Detector – InspectionAug 24, 2026
- EASA AD 2024-0004R1Fuselage – Centre Fuselage Frame Assembly – Inspection / Repair / ModificationAug 10, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-088Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box and Chip Detector – InspectionJul 23, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0115Stabilizers – Torque Tube Assembly – InspectionJun 15, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0045Rotors Flight Control — Collective Stick Torque Tube Assembly — Inspection / Replacement
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