EASA AD 2022-0118
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2022-0254
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0118 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting SAFRAN Helicopter Engines RTM 322-01/9A engines, commonly installed on NH Industries NH90 military helicopters. The directive mandates compliance with updated airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks as specified in the SAFRAN RTM 322-01/9A Engine Base Maintenance Manual Airworthiness Limitations Section approved on 30 April 2022. It ensures continued airworthiness by enforcing mandatory inspections and life limits for engine components.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0118 supersedes the previous AD 2021-0164 and introduces new mandatory inspections, including an additional inspection of the second stage stator vane at each Module 1 overhaul and new life limits for repaired combustion chamber parts. It incorporates updated maintenance tasks and reduced thresholds or intervals for certain components as specified in the latest Airworthiness Limitations Section. These changes reflect the latest safety and reliability data from SAFRAN.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it mandates updated maintenance and inspection requirements to prevent unsafe conditions in RTM 322-01/9A engines. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and avoid operational restrictions. The directive also streamlines compliance by allowing AMP revisions to serve as proof of adherence, reducing administrative burden.
What To Do
Operators must implement all applicable maintenance tasks and life limits from the updated Airworthiness Limitations Section starting from 5 July 2022. Any discrepancies found during inspections must be corrected within specified times or before the next flight. Additionally, the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme must be revised within 12 months of the effective date to incorporate the new limitations and tasks.
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