Equipment / Furnishings — Emergency Flotation System Inflation Hoses — Inspection
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AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of AB139, AW139, AB412, and AB412EP helicopters must inspect affected EFS parts within specified flight hour or calendar time limits depending on part group classification. Defective hoses must be replaced before the next flight. Installation of affected parts is prohibited from the effective date, and pre-May 2015 hoses require inspection and re-identification prior to installation.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2019-0311 is a regulatory document addressing the inspection of Emergency Flotation System (EFS) inflation hoses on Leonardo S.p.A. AB139, AW139, AB412, and AB412EP helicopters. The directive targets specific part numbers of EFS semi-rigid cover assemblies to ensure proper inflation during ditching events. It mandates inspections to detect manufacturing defects that could block gas flow to flotation compartments.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for affected EFS inflation hoses to identify and replace defective supply hoses. It prohibits installation of affected parts after the effective date and allows installation of certain hoses manufactured before May 2015 only if inspected and re-identified according to specified service bulletins.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk where blocked inflation hoses could cause partial flotation bag inflation, potentially hindering timely evacuation during emergency water landings. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and passenger safety. Failure to comply could lead to unsafe flight conditions and regulatory penalties.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AB139
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- EASA AD 2026-0165Engine Exhaust – Nozzle Exhaust Duct Clamp Assembly – InspectionAug 18, 2026
- EASA AD 2025-0094R1Electrical Power – Overhead Panel Wires Interference – Inspection / ModificationJul 3, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0003Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — Amendment
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