EASA AD 2021-0126
Fuel / Oil — Check Valves — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0126 is an official regulatory document addressing inspection and replacement requirements for fuel and oil check valves on Leonardo S.p.A. AB212, AB412, and AB412EP helicopters. It specifically targets oil check valves with Part Number 209-062-520-1 and fuel check valves with Part Number 209-062-607-1 manufactured by Circor Aerospace. The directive mandates inspections to detect cracks caused by incorrect torque application and requires replacement of affected parts to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0126 introduces new mandatory inspection and replacement procedures for certain fuel and oil check valves on specified Leonardo helicopter models. It establishes two groups of helicopters based on the presence of affected parts and prohibits installation of these parts from the effective date. The directive also sets repetitive inspection intervals and defines terminating actions upon replacement with serviceable parts.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk involving potential fuel or oil leakage that could lead to engine failure or fire. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent uncommanded engine shutdowns and ensure helicopter safety. Compliance with these inspections and replacements is essential to maintain regulatory approval for aircraft operation.
What To Do
Operators of AB212, AB412, and AB412EP helicopters must inspect their aircraft within 25 flight hours or 3 months from 2021-05-24 to identify affected parts. For helicopters with affected parts, inspections must continue every 25 flight hours or 3 months, with immediate replacement of any cracked parts before next flight. All affected parts must be replaced within 300 flight hours or 12 months from the initial inspection. Installation of affected parts is prohibited from the effective date.
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