EASA AD 2019-0182
Landing Gear — Enhanced Main Landing Gear Strut Assembly — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0182 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency concerning Leonardo S.p.A. A109 helicopters, specifically the A109E, A109LUH, A109S, and AW109SP models. It addresses inspection requirements for the enhanced main landing gear strut assemblies with certain part numbers and serial numbers due to reported failures. The directive mandates repetitive inspections and corrosion prevention measures to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of affected enhanced main landing gear strut assemblies on specified A109 helicopter models. It requires operators to inspect for cracks and apply corrosion preventive compounds or replace assemblies if cracks are found. The directive also defines serviceable assemblies and sets installation conditions for affected parts.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to landing gear failure, risking helicopter damage and occupant injury. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure inspections and corrective actions are performed timely to maintain aircraft safety and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could result in grounding or unsafe operation of affected helicopters.
What To Do
Operators must inspect each affected main landing gear strut assembly within 50 flight hours, 200 landings, or 6 months from 2 August 2019, whichever occurs first, and then at intervals not exceeding 12 months. If cracks are found, the assembly must be replaced before the next flight; if no cracks are found, corrosion preventive compound must be applied before the next flight. Only serviceable assemblies may be installed on helicopters from the effective date onward.
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