EASA AD 2019-0277-E
Air — Anti-icing Valve Assembly Gaskets — Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0277-E is an emergency directive addressing SAFRAN RTM322-01/9 and RTM322-01/9A helicopter engines, commonly installed on NH Industries NH90 military helicopters. The directive mandates replacement of specific anti-icing valve assembly gaskets to prevent loss of anti-icing function. It applies to engines with affected gasket part numbers 0322710040 and 0322710050.
What Changed
This new emergency airworthiness directive requires removal and replacement of affected anti-icing valve assembly gaskets with serviceable parts. It prohibits installation of the affected gaskets and restricts installation of engines with these parts on helicopters. Additionally, it mandates inspection and possible replacement of the outlet pipe if cracks are found during maintenance.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent potential uncommanded engine shutdowns caused by loss of anti-icing function, which could lead to emergency landings and safety risks. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and avoid operational disruptions. The directive also impacts parts inventory and engine installation procedures.
What To Do
Operators must replace affected gaskets on at least one engine before the next flight into known icing conditions and complete replacement on all affected engines within the next 50 flight hours. Concurrent inspection of the outlet pipe is required, with immediate replacement if cracks are detected. Installation of affected parts or Group 1 engines is prohibited from the directive's effective date.
Your fleet's weekly compliance brief
AI-summarized regulatory changes, compliance deadlines, and action items — filtered to your aircraft, every Monday.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.