Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD 2021-0054

Equipment / Furnishings — Life Raft Reservoir and Actuator Cable — Replacement / Inspection

Published: Feb 25, 2021
Effective: Mar 4, 2021
Deadline: Mar 4, 2021
Replaces: 2020-0185

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What to do

Operators of AB139 and AW139 helicopters must replace affected life raft reservoirs within 25 flight hours of the AD effective date or as specified in the directive, and conduct inspections of valve pull rods and actuator cables within defined flight hour limits. Discrepancies found during inspections require immediate corrective actions before further flight. Installation of affected reservoirs is prohibited, and any new installation of serviceable reservoirs must be accompanied by actuator cable inspection and adjustment as necessary.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0054 addresses safety concerns for Leonardo S.p.A. AB139 and AW139 helicopters equipped with emergency flotation kits having specific life raft reservoir part numbers. The directive mandates replacement and inspection of certain life raft reservoirs and actuator cables to prevent inadvertent activation and deployment of the emergency life raft during flight. It applies to helicopters with affected reservoirs identified by serial numbers in Leonardo Alert Service Bulletins 139-648 and 139-662.

What changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0054 supersedes the previous AD 2020-0185 and expands the list of affected life raft reservoirs to include additional serial numbers identified in Leonardo ASB 139-662. It introduces updated replacement and inspection requirements for these reservoirs and actuator cables, including provisions for reservoirs that can be re-identified as serviceable after manufacturer checks. The AD also updates compliance times and inspection intervals accordingly.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent unintended deployment of emergency life rafts in flight, which can cause loss of the raft and potential rotor impact, compromising helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and safety. The expanded scope and updated instructions require careful tracking of affected parts and adherence to inspection and replacement schedules to avoid operational disruptions and regulatory penalties.

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