Rotor — Main Rotor Blade Tip Cap — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2007-0306-E
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Leonardo A109E, A109K2, and A109C helicopters must perform dye penetrant inspections on affected main rotor blade tip caps before exceeding 600 flight hours since first installation or within 50 flight hours after 5 November 2020, whichever is later, and then every 50 flight hours thereafter. Any detected cracks require immediate replacement of the affected part before the next flight. Installation of affected parts is allowed only if they are serviceable and inspected per the directive.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0230 is a regulatory document addressing inspection requirements for the main rotor blade tip cap, part number 709-0103-29-109, installed on Leonardo S.p.A. A109E, A109K2, and A109C helicopters. The directive mandates repetitive dye penetrant inspections to detect cracks in the tip cap to prevent detachment and potential loss of helicopter control. It applies to all serial numbers of the affected helicopter models.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0230 supersedes the previous emergency AD 2007-0306-E and removes the requirement for visual inspections, replacing it with mandatory repetitive dye penetrant inspections of the affected main rotor blade tip caps. It also updates the inspection intervals and clarifies installation conditions for serviceable parts. The directive introduces stricter inspection protocols due to new occurrences of tip cap detachment.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety issue that could lead to reduced helicopter control due to detachment of the main rotor blade tip cap. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent vibration-related failures. Compliance with the directive helps mitigate risks associated with structural integrity of rotor components on affected Leonardo A109 helicopters.
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