Tail Rotor — Tail Rotor Duplex Bearing and Plug — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2019-0194-E
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected A119 and AW119MKII helicopters must inspect the tightening torque of the affected plug and install an additional locking wire within 10 flight hours or 30 days after the effective date. A more detailed inspection of the duplex bearing, locking nut, and plug must be completed within 50 flight hours or 6 months. Any discrepancies found during inspections require immediate corrective action before further flight. Compliance deadlines vary by helicopter serial number, with the latest effective date being 18 June 2020.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0128 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection requirements for the tail rotor duplex bearing and plug on Leonardo S.p.A. A119 and AW119MKII helicopters. It applies to helicopters with manufacturer serial numbers up to 14972, excluding certain serial numbers, and focuses on inspecting and correcting issues related to the tail rotor pitch change mechanism components.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0128 supersedes the previous Emergency AD 2019-0194-E and expands the applicability to additional helicopters. It introduces revised inspection procedures, including torque checks and locking wire installation, and incorporates repetitive inspections into the maintenance manual. The directive also updates service bulletin references and clarifies corrective actions based on inspection findings.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential failure in the tail rotor pitch change mechanism that could lead to loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety. The directive also streamlines inspection requirements by integrating them into the maintenance manual, facilitating ongoing compliance and risk mitigation.
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New ADs and bulletins for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters A109, S.P.A. Helicopters A119, A119 and AW119MKII, summarized like this page, every Monday.