EASA AD 2021-0199
Rotors Flight Control — Yaw Pedal Assemblies — Modification
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0199 is an airworthiness directive addressing the modification of yaw pedal assemblies on Leonardo S.p.A. AW169 helicopters. It applies to all serial numbers of AW169 helicopters equipped with specific pilot and co-pilot yaw pedal assemblies identified by certain part numbers. The directive mandates modification and re-identification of affected yaw pedal assemblies to ensure continued safe operation.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2021-0199 supersedes the previous AD 2019-0252 and introduces a new modification, Leonardo mod 6F6720P01411, which upgrades the pilot and co-pilot pedal assemblies to an improved design that eliminates previous failure modes. It requires modification or replacement of affected parts within specified compliance times and prohibits installation of affected parts after modification or from the effective date for unaffected helicopters.
Why It Matters
This directive addresses a critical safety issue involving broken adjustable devices in the yaw pedal assemblies that could lead to reduced yaw control of the helicopter. For operators and maintenance organizations, compliance ensures the prevention of potential control failures, maintaining airworthiness and regulatory compliance. It also provides clear instructions and timelines to mitigate risks associated with these components.
What To Do
Operators of Group 1 AW169 helicopters with affected yaw pedal assemblies must modify or replace these parts within 400 flight hours or 12 months from the effective date of 10 September 2021. Installation of affected parts is prohibited after modification or from the effective date for Group 2 helicopters. Compliance should be performed following Leonardo Service Bulletin 169-181 instructions.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.