EASA AD 2019-0202
Main Rotor — Blade Droop Stops — Removal from Service
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0202 is an airworthiness directive addressing the removal from service of main rotor blade droop stops, Part Number 37.21.800.00.00, installed on PZL W-3A and W-3AS helicopters. The directive applies to all manufacturer serial numbers of these helicopter models and mandates removal of affected parts to prevent unsafe conditions.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive requires the removal from service of affected movable main rotor blade droop stop assemblies due to detected displaced teeth that could cause erroneous operation. It prohibits installation or reinstallation of these affected parts on the helicopters and provides compliance instructions through a mandatory bulletin issued by the manufacturer.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because failure to comply could lead to dynamic drop-down of a main rotor blade, potentially causing contact with the tail boom and risking injury to occupants or people on the ground. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure affected parts are removed promptly to maintain aircraft safety and regulatory compliance.
What To Do
Operators of PZL W-3A and W-3AS helicopters with affected parts installed must remove each affected main rotor blade droop stop within 30 days of the directive's effective date, following the manufacturer's mandatory bulletin instructions. Installation or reinstallation of these parts is prohibited from the effective date onward. Compliance can also be credited if removal was done earlier according to the original bulletin.
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