Rotors Flight Control — Pilot Collective Stick Assembly — Check
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2017-0137
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must perform a one-time check of the collective stick fixed friction within 80 flight hours or during the next scheduled inspection, whichever occurs first, after the effective date of 26 September 2018. If friction is outside allowable limits, corrective action must be taken before the next flight. Additionally, friction checks and necessary corrections must be performed after installation or maintenance involving removal and reinstallation of the affected pilot collective stick assemblies.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0203 is an airworthiness directive addressing the pilot collective stick assembly on Leonardo S.p.A. AW169 helicopters equipped with part numbers 6F6711A07832 or 6F6711A07831. The directive mandates a one-time check of the collective stick fixed friction to ensure it is within allowable limits to prevent in-flight oscillations. It applies to all serial numbers of the AW169 helicopter model.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2017-0137 and expands the inspection requirements to include all affected AW169 helicopters, not just those previously identified. It introduces a mandatory one-time check of the pilot collective stick assembly friction and requires corrective actions if the friction is outside the specified range. Additionally, it mandates friction checks after installation or maintenance involving removal and reinstallation of the affected parts.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for maintaining helicopter controllability and safety by preventing in-flight collective stick oscillations caused by incorrect friction adjustment. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure adherence to this directive to avoid potential damage to the helicopter and injury to occupants. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory conformity under EASA regulations.
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- EASA AD 2025-0051R1Equipment / Furnishings — Hoist — ReplacementMay 7, 2025
- EASA AD 2023-0188-EEquipment / Furnishings — Float Assemblies — ReplacementOct 30, 2023
- EASA AD 2023-0160Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — Amendment
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