Electrical Power — Overhead Panel — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2021-0044
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected AB139 and AW139 helicopters must perform an initial detailed inspection within 25 flight hours after 12 February 2021 for Group 1 helicopters, and within 300 flight hours or 12 months for Group 2 helicopters. Repetitive inspections must continue every 300 flight hours or 12 months, with corrective actions applied immediately if discrepancies are found. Inspection results must be reported to Leonardo within 30 days when issues are detected.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0044R1 is an updated safety directive addressing electrical power system inspections on Leonardo AB139 and AW139 helicopters. It mandates detailed inspections of the overhead panel wiring to detect chafing and potential short circuits that could cause fire hazards. The directive applies to specific serial numbers of these helicopter models and includes instructions for repetitive inspections and corrective actions.
What changed
This revision reduces the applicability of the original AD 2021-0044 by excluding helicopters equipped with an improved overhead panel configuration featuring blind anchor nuts, which minimize wiring chafing risks. It also updates inspection intervals and clarifies compliance requirements based on helicopter group classifications.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent electrical fires caused by wiring chafing in the overhead panel, which could lead to loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and safety. The updated AD helps focus inspection efforts on helicopters still at risk, optimizing maintenance resources.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AB139
All 46- EASA AD 2020-0271R1Main Rotor – Swashplate Boot – InspectionOct 8, 2026
- EASA AD 2025-0094R2Electrical Power – Overhead Panel Wires Interference – Inspection / ModificationAug 26, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0165Engine Exhaust – Nozzle Exhaust Duct Clamp Assembly – InspectionAug 18, 2026
- EASA AD 2025-0094R1Electrical Power – Overhead Panel Wires Interference – Inspection / ModificationJul 3, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0003Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — Amendment
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New ADs and bulletins for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AB139, S.P.A. Helicopters AW139, AB139 and AW139, summarized like this page, every Monday.