Tail Rotor – Tail Rotor Servo Actuator / Duplex Bearing – Inspection /; Check / Modification
Superseded. Comply with 2020-0197, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2019-0193
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of AW169 and AW189 helicopters must perform repetitive inspections of the tail rotor servo actuator and duplex bearing within specified flight hour intervals, install thermal strips, and report any discrepancies to Leonardo within two days. They must also install the improved tail rotor actuator by the effective date of 20 March 2020 and avoid reinstalling the older actuator part. Removed parts requiring corrective action must be sent to Leonardo for inspection.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0048 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Leonardo S.p.A. AW169 and AW189 helicopters. It addresses inspection, checking, and modification requirements related to the tail rotor servo actuator and duplex bearing to prevent potential loss of helicopter control. The directive includes repetitive inspections, thermal strip installations, and reporting obligations to ensure continued airworthiness.
What changed
EASA AD 2020-0048 supersedes the previous AD 2019-0193 and introduces the mandatory installation of an improved tail rotor actuator part number 6F6730V00332. It removes certain inspection requirements for helicopters equipped with the improved actuator and prohibits reinstallation of the older actuator part number 6F6730V00331. The directive also updates inspection intervals and reporting requirements, including the use of HUMS data where applicable.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety concern following an accident involving loss of yaw control on an AW169 helicopter. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent potential loss of control due to incorrect installation or wear of tail rotor components. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory conformity, reducing risk and enhancing flight safety.
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