EASA AD 2021-0179
Equipment / Furnishings — Hoist Support Assembly — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0179 is an airworthiness directive affecting Leonardo S.p.A. AW109SP helicopters. It mandates inspections of Goodrich hoist support assemblies, part number 109-0705V04-301, due to reported corrosion issues that could compromise structural integrity and safety during hoist operations.
What Changed
This new directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of the internal surfaces of the affected hoist support assemblies to detect corrosion. It requires corrective actions if corrosion is found and allows installation of only serviceable parts after the effective date. The directive is considered interim and may be followed by further actions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to prevent potential in-flight detachment of the hoist support assembly, which could cause damage to the helicopter and injury to hoisted persons. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and safety of AW109SP helicopters equipped with the affected parts.
What To Do
Operators must inspect affected hoist support assemblies within specified compliance times based on the part's age and then at intervals not exceeding 12 months. If corrosion is detected, corrective actions approved by Leonardo must be performed before further flight. Installation of affected parts is only allowed if they are serviceable and inspected accordingly.
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