Tail Rotor — Tail Rotor Servo Actuator / Duplex Bearing — Inspection / Check / Modification
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2020-0048
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 castellated nut slippage markings and tail rotor duplex bearing conditions within specified flight hour intervals. Thermal strips must be installed and regularly checked according to the directive's timelines. Installation of improved tail rotor servo actuators and duplex bearings is mandatory, and reinstallation of affected parts is prohibited. Compliance deadlines include initial inspections within 10 flight hours and thermal strip installation within 20 flight hours, with ongoing repetitive intervals as specified.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0197 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Leonardo S.p.A. AW169 and AW189 helicopters. It addresses inspection, check, and modification requirements for the tail rotor servo actuator and tail rotor duplex bearing components to ensure continued safe operation. The directive includes detailed instructions for inspections, thermal strip installations, and corrective actions related to specific part numbers of tail rotor components.
What changed
EASA AD 2020-0197 supersedes the previous AD 2020-0048 and introduces requirements for installation of an improved tail rotor duplex bearing along with continued use of the improved tail rotor servo actuator. It mandates repetitive inspections and checks of the affected parts, including thermal strip installation and condition monitoring, and prohibits reinstallation of affected parts. The directive also updates inspection service bulletins and incorporates health and usage monitoring system retrofits for enhanced vibration monitoring.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a potential loss of yaw control linked to tail rotor component failures, which could lead to loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure the safety and airworthiness of AW169 and AW189 helicopters. The AD also impacts maintenance planning by requiring frequent inspections and installation of improved parts, thereby affecting operational readiness and compliance management.
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New ADs and bulletins for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AW169, S.P.A. Helicopters AW189, AW169 and AW189, summarized like this page, every Monday.