Tail Rotor — Tail Rotor Dampers — Inspection
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AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of AW189 helicopters must perform visual inspections of the hydraulic fluid level in affected tail rotor dampers within 10 flight hours after 12 July 2019 and then every 10 flight hours thereafter. Any discrepancies found require immediate replacement of the affected damper before the next flight. When an affected damper meets specified flight hour and installation time criteria, inspections can cease. Additionally, a 30-minute ground run is required after installing an affected damper before flight.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0160 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection of tail rotor dampers on Leonardo S.p.A. AW189 helicopters. It applies to tail rotor dampers with Part Number 4F6420V00254 up to serial number LK1229, excluding those marked with 'R' or meeting certain flight hour and installation time criteria. The directive mandates repetitive visual inspections of hydraulic fluid levels to detect leaks that could compromise tail rotor performance.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive visual inspections of the hydraulic fluid level in affected tail rotor dampers on AW189 helicopters. It requires replacement of any dampers found with discrepancies and establishes terminating actions based on flight hours and installation time. Additionally, it mandates a 30-minute ground run after installation of an affected damper before flight.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations as it addresses a safety risk involving hydraulic fluid leaks in tail rotor dampers, which could lead to tail rotor damage and potential loss of helicopter control. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of AW189 helicopters. It also helps maintenance teams prioritize inspections and part replacements to prevent in-flight failures.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AW189
All 45- EASA AD 2020-0271R1Main Rotor – Swashplate Boot – InspectionOct 8, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0192Fuselage – Tail Gearbox Fitting – InspectionOct 6, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-115Tail Rotor – Damper Bracket – InspectionSep 24, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0004Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — AmendmentJan 13, 2026
- EASA AD 2025-0213Power Plant — Engine Mount Fitting — Inspections / ReplacementSep 26, 2025
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