Airworthiness DirectiveEASA AD 2022-0182-E

Tail Rotor — Duplex Bearings — Inspection / Replacement; Rotor Flight Control — Tail Rotor Actuator — Inspection / Replacement

Published: Aug 30, 2022
Effective: Sep 1, 2022
Deadline: Sep 1, 2022
Replaces: 2022-0152-E

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What to do

Operators of AB139 and AW139 helicopters must perform repetitive inspections of specified tail rotor duplex bearings and actuators according to helicopter groupings defined by flight hours and part history. Any detected discrepancies require immediate replacement of affected parts and, if rotation is found, replacement of the tail rotor actuator. Replacement deadlines vary by group but generally require action before accumulating 2,390 to 2,400 flight hours or within specified flight hour intervals after 28 July 2022. Reporting inspection results to Leonardo within 30 days is also required.

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0182-E is an emergency directive addressing inspection and replacement requirements for tail rotor duplex bearings and tail rotor actuators on Leonardo AB139 and AW139 helicopters. It mandates inspections and corrective actions for specific part numbers of tail rotor duplex bearings and tail rotor actuators to prevent potential structural failure. The directive applies to all serial numbers of AB139 and AW139 helicopters.

What changed

This directive supersedes EASA AD 2022-0152-E and retains its inspection requirements while adding new mandates to replace affected tail rotor actuators if rotation is detected during inspections. It introduces additional replacement instructions for tail rotor actuators alongside the existing requirements for tail rotor duplex bearings. The directive also clarifies grouping of helicopters based on flight hours and part installation history to tailor inspection intervals and replacement deadlines.

Why it matters

This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk involving damaged tail rotor bearings that could lead to loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent structural failures. Compliance teams need to track inspection intervals and replacement deadlines to avoid regulatory violations and maintain safe operation of affected helicopters.

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