Tail Rotor — Full Ice Protection System Tail Rotor Blades — Inspection / Replacement
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AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of AB139 and AW139 helicopters equipped with FIPS must inspect all affected tail rotor blades within 50 flight hours from 11 April 2019, following Leonardo Alert Service Bulletin 139-580 instructions. Any blade showing burn signs or damage must be replaced with a serviceable part before the next flight. Installation of affected parts is only allowed if they meet the serviceable criteria defined in the directive.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0073 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Leonardo S.p.A. AB139 and AW139 helicopters equipped with the Full Ice Protection System (FIPS). It addresses inspection and replacement requirements for specific tail rotor blades with part numbers 4G6410A00131, 4G6410A00132, and 4G6410A00133. The directive aims to ensure the continued airworthiness of these helicopters by mitigating risks related to tail rotor blade damage.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory one-time inspection of affected tail rotor blades for signs of damage caused by electrical short circuits in the heater mat root area. It requires replacement of any damaged blades with serviceable parts before further flight. The directive also clarifies installation rules for affected parts and provides compliance credit for prior inspections performed according to specified maintenance manuals.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected damage to tail rotor blades can lead to loss of a blade and reduced helicopter control, posing serious safety risks. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent in-flight failures and ensure regulatory adherence. The directive helps maintain operational safety and avoid potential accidents related to the tail rotor ice protection system.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AB139
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