Tail Rotor – Tail Rotor Servo Actuator – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2019-0023, 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 must perform the initial inspections within 10 flight hours after the effective date and continue with repetitive inspections at intervals specified in the directive. Any discrepancies found during inspections must be addressed before the next flight by following Leonardo's approved instructions. Inspection results must be reported to Leonardo within two days, and removed tail rotor duplex bearings must be sent to Leonardo within two days after removal.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2018-0261-E is an emergency directive addressing safety concerns on Leonardo S.p.A. AW169 and AW189 helicopters. It mandates repetitive inspections of the tail rotor servo actuator's castellated nut and the tail rotor duplex bearing to detect potential issues that could lead to loss of yaw control. This directive applies to all serial numbers of AW169 and AW189 helicopters.
What changed
This directive introduces repetitive inspections of specific tail rotor components, including the castellated nut slippage marking and the duplex bearing's roughness and breakaway force. It supersedes previous emergency ADs by expanding inspection requirements and correcting references to applicable service bulletins. The directive also requires reporting inspection results and sending removed parts to Leonardo for further analysis.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for maintaining safe flight operations by preventing potential loss of helicopter control due to incorrect installation or wear of tail rotor components. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and avoid accidents. The inspections and reporting requirements help monitor the fleet's condition and support ongoing safety assessments.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AW169
All 26- EASA AD 2026-0187Equipment / Furnishing – Cargo Hook Barrel Nuts and Retainers – InspectionSep 29, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-099Equipment / Furnishing – Cargo Hook Barrel Nuts and Retainers – InspectionAug 31, 2026
- 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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New ADs and bulletins for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AW169, S.P.A. Helicopters AW189, AW169 and AW189, summarized like this page, every Monday.