EASA AD 2021-0040
Instruments — Wiring — Inspection / Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0040 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Leonardo S.p.A. AW119MKII helicopters, specifically serial numbers 14901 to 14963 with some exceptions. The directive addresses inspection and modification requirements for the instrument panel electrical wiring to prevent smoke and burning smells caused by wiring chafing during flight.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory one-time inspection and modification of the instrument panel wiring on affected AW119MKII helicopters. It requires operators to inspect wiring for defects and perform corrective actions if necessary, along with specific wiring installation modifications as detailed in Leonardo Alert Service Bulletin 119-108.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk involving electrical wiring chafing that could lead to smoke in the cabin or loss of avionics function, potentially reducing helicopter control. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of the affected helicopters, helping maintenance and compliance teams avoid in-flight hazards and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators must inspect the instrument panel electrical wiring within 25 flight hours or 3 months from 3 February 2021, whichever occurs first, following Leonardo Alert Service Bulletin 119-108. Any defects found must be corrected before the next flight, and wiring modifications must be completed concurrently with the inspection and additionally within the same compliance timeframe for certain serial number groups.
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