Emergency Flotation System — Aft Float Assembly Inflation System — Removal / Installation
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators must remove affected inflation system parts and install serviceable parts within 100 flight hours for AB139 and AW139, 45 flight hours for AW169, and 45 flight hours for AW189 helicopters after 27 September 2018. From the effective date, installation of affected parts is prohibited. Maintenance should follow the instructions in the applicable Leonardo Alert Service Bulletins for the removal and installation process.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0208 addresses the emergency flotation system aft float assembly inflation system on Leonardo S.p.A. AB139, AW139, AW169, and AW189 helicopters. It applies to specific part numbers of the Shape Memory Alloy inflation systems installed on these helicopters. The directive mandates removal and replacement of affected parts to prevent uncommanded deployment of the emergency flotation system.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory removal of affected Shape Memory Alloy inflation system parts and installation of serviceable parts on the specified helicopter models. It prohibits installation of affected parts from the effective date and requires compliance within specified flight hour limits. The directive also references updated service bulletins detailing the improved reset procedure for the inflation system.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent uncommanded deployment of the emergency flotation system, which could compromise helicopter control. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety by addressing a known technical issue with the inflation system reset procedure. It also affects parts inventory management by restricting installation of non-compliant components.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AB139
All 46- EASA AD 2020-0271R1Main Rotor – Swashplate Boot – InspectionOct 8, 2026
- EASA AD 2025-0094R2Electrical Power – Overhead Panel Wires Interference – Inspection / ModificationAug 26, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0165Engine Exhaust – Nozzle Exhaust Duct Clamp Assembly – InspectionAug 18, 2026
- EASA AD 2025-0094R1Electrical Power – Overhead Panel Wires Interference – Inspection / ModificationJul 3, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0003Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — Amendment
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