EASA AD 2020-0271R1
Main Rotor – Swashplate Boot – Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2020-0271R1 is an updated regulation addressing inspection requirements for the main rotor swashplate boot on Leonardo S.p.A. AB139, AW139, and AW189 helicopters. It focuses on the inspection and maintenance of the affected main rotor swashplate boot part number 3G6230V00251 and its bonded stainless steel external rings to prevent in-flight failures. The directive mandates detailed inspections and adhesive restoration to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This revision clarifies that removal and reinstallation of an affected part during a single maintenance visit is not considered a new installation, updating compliance interpretations. It revises inspection intervals and procedures to better reflect operational realities and maintains the original inspection and corrective action requirements. The AD supersedes the original 2020-0271 to incorporate these clarifications and procedural updates.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential in-flight failures caused by corrosion and fatigue of the swashplate boot rings, which could lead to severe helicopter control issues. Compliance ensures safety by detecting and correcting defects early, reducing the risk of damage to tail rotor blades and maintaining helicopter control integrity. It also provides clear guidance on inspection intervals and corrective actions, facilitating regulatory compliance and operational safety.
What To Do
Operators of AB139, AW139, and AW189 helicopters must perform detailed inspections of the affected swashplate boot rings and restore adhesive bonding within 25 flight hours after 15 December 2020 for Group 1 helicopters. Repetitive inspections must continue every 50 flight hours for Group 1 and Group 2 helicopters. Any discrepancies found during inspections must be corrected before the next flight, and inspection results with discrepancies must be reported to Leonardo within 30 days.
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