Tail Rotor – Tail Rotor Servo Actuator – Inspection
Superseded. Comply with 2019-0121R1, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2018-0261-E
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of AW169 and AW189 helicopters must perform initial and repetitive inspections of the tail rotor servo actuator castellated nut and tail rotor duplex bearing within specified flight hour intervals. They must install and regularly check a thermal strip on the bearing spacer and report inspection results to Leonardo within two days. Any discrepancies require contacting Leonardo for approved corrective actions before further flight.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0023 is an airworthiness directive affecting Leonardo S.p.A. AW169 and AW189 helicopters. It addresses the inspection and monitoring of the tail rotor servo actuator and tail rotor duplex bearing to prevent potential loss of yaw control. The directive mandates repetitive inspections and installation of a thermal strip to monitor bearing condition.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0023 supersedes previous AD 2018-0261-E and introduces requirements for installing a thermal strip on the tail rotor duplex bearing spacer and performing repetitive inspections of the tail rotor servo actuator and duplex bearing. It revises the inspection regime based on new findings that temperature monitoring is a reliable indicator of bearing condition.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety concern following an accident involving loss of yaw control on an AW169 helicopter. Operators and maintenance teams must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent potential loss of control due to incorrect installation or bearing failure. The directive also provides a structured inspection and reporting process to monitor the fleet's safety.
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