Fuselage – Centre Fuselage Frame Assembly – Inspection / Repair
Superseded. Comply with 2024-0004, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2020-0256
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Leonardo A109E, A109S, and A109LUH helicopters must perform repetitive inspections of the centre fuselage frame assembly within specified flight hour or landing thresholds and at intervals not exceeding 100 flight hours. If cracks or damage are found, corrective actions must be taken promptly according to Leonardo service bulletins or approved repair instructions. The initial inspections must be completed by 11 August 2022 or within the specified flight hour/landing limits.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0153 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Leonardo S.p.A. A109E, A109S, and A109LUH helicopters. It mandates inspections and repairs of the centre fuselage frame assembly at station 1815 due to reported cracks that could compromise structural integrity. The directive applies to all serial numbers of A109E and A109LUH helicopters and A109S helicopters up to serial number 22199 inclusive.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0153 supersedes the previous AD 2020-0256 and expands the applicability to include additional helicopters potentially affected by similar structural cracks. It retains the inspection and repair requirements but updates compliance times and inspection intervals, introducing new service bulletins for guidance. The directive also clarifies corrective actions based on crack size and damage severity.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a structural safety issue that could affect helicopter airworthiness and flight safety. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure timely inspections and repairs to prevent structural failure. Compliance with this AD is mandatory to maintain the continuing airworthiness of affected helicopters and to meet regulatory requirements.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters A109
All 51- EASA AD 2026-0168Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box and Chip Detector – InspectionAug 24, 2026
- EASA AD 2024-0004R1Fuselage – Centre Fuselage Frame Assembly – Inspection / Repair / ModificationAug 10, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-088Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box and Chip Detector – InspectionJul 23, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0115Stabilizers – Torque Tube Assembly – InspectionJun 15, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0045Rotors Flight Control — Collective Stick Torque Tube Assembly — Inspection / Replacement
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New ADs and bulletins for these 5 aircraft types, summarized like this page, every Monday.