EASA AD 2021-0096
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2023-0035
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0096 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Leonardo S.p.A. A119 and AW119MKII helicopters. It addresses inspection and replacement requirements for certain collective stick torque tube assemblies identified by specific batch numbers to ensure continued safe operation.
What Changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2019-0057 by expanding the definition of affected torque tube assemblies to include additional batch numbers. It also extends the compliance time for replacement on Group 1 helicopters and reduces the interval for repetitive inspections. The directive retains previous inspection and replacement requirements while updating compliance timelines and affected parts.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to reduced helicopter control and forced landings. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely inspections and replacements to maintain airworthiness and comply with regulatory requirements. Failure to comply may result in operational restrictions or safety risks.
What To Do
Operators of A119 and AW119MKII helicopters must inspect affected collective stick torque tube assemblies within specified flight hour intervals depending on the group classification. Defective parts must be replaced before further flight, and all affected parts must be replaced within the defined compliance times—36 months after 3 April 2019 for Group 1 and 24 months after the effective date of this AD for Group 2. Installation of affected parts is prohibited after replacement or from the effective date for Group 3 helicopters.
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