EASA AD 2022-0178
SUPERSEDED BY EASA AD 2023-0160
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0178 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting all serial numbers of Leonardo AW169 helicopters. It mandates compliance with updated airworthiness limitations and maintenance tasks as specified in Leonardo's AW169 Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) Issue 18. This directive ensures continued airworthiness by enforcing life limits and maintenance intervals for critical components.
What Changed
EASA AD 2022-0178 introduces new and more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limits for components of the Leonardo AW169 helicopter as detailed in the latest ALS Issue 18. It requires operators to replace components before exceeding life limits and to perform maintenance tasks within specified intervals. Additionally, it mandates revising the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) to incorporate these updated limitations and tasks within 12 months of the effective date.
Why It Matters
This directive is crucial for aviation professionals because it enforces mandatory maintenance actions that prevent unsafe conditions arising from component failures or overlooked maintenance. Operators and maintenance organizations must update their maintenance programs to comply, ensuring regulatory compliance and continued airworthiness. Failure to comply could lead to grounding of aircraft or unsafe flight conditions.
What To Do
Operators of Leonardo AW169 helicopters must replace components before exceeding life limits and perform all maintenance tasks within the specified intervals as per ALS Issue 18 starting from 9 September 2022. They must revise their approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme within 12 months of the effective date to incorporate the new or more restrictive tasks and limitations. Any discrepancies found during maintenance must be corrected before the next flight or as specified in the ALS, and if necessary, contact Leonardo for approved corrective instructions.
AI-generated summary from official EASA source document. Always verify against the original.