EASA AD 2019-0045-E
Tail Rotor — Rotor Blade Bearing(s) — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0045-E is an emergency directive addressing the inspection of tail rotor blade bearings on all serial numbers of PZL SW-4 helicopters. It focuses on detecting displacement and missing inserts in the tail rotor blade bearings, specifically part numbers 60.02.680.00.01 and 60.02.630.00.00. The directive mandates inspections to ensure the integrity of these components to prevent potential failure and loss of helicopter control.
What Changed
This new emergency airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the tail rotor blade bearings on PZL SW-4 helicopters. It requires measuring displacement of the tail rotor blade tips and inspecting for missing inserts in the bearings. Depending on inspection results, corrective actions such as part removal, follow-on inspections, or tail rotor assembly replacement must be performed.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected excessive displacement or missing inserts in tail rotor blade bearings can lead to increased loads and reduced fatigue life of critical components. Failure to comply could result in component failure and compromised helicopter control, posing significant safety risks. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and safety.
What To Do
Operators must inspect the tail rotor blade tips for displacement before the next flight after 11 March 2019. If displacement is 2 mm or more but less than 7 mm, affected parts must be removed and further inspected. If displacement is 7 mm or more, the tail rotor assembly must be replaced before flight. Only serviceable parts, as defined by the directive, may be installed from the effective date onward.
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