EASA AD 2022-0214
Equipment / Furnishings — Emergency Life-Raft System — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0214 is an airworthiness directive addressing the emergency life-raft system on Leonardo S.p.A. AW189 helicopters with specific serial numbers. It mandates inspection and possible replacement of affected emergency life-raft control cables and assemblies to prevent uncommanded deployment. The directive applies to helicopters with serial numbers 49007 through 49079, 89001 through 89012, and 92001 through 92010, excluding certain serial numbers.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the emergency life-raft system control cables and assemblies on affected AW189 helicopters. It requires replacement of damaged control cables, cable pulley covers, and life-raft assemblies if defects are found. The directive also allows installation of serviceable emergency life-raft assemblies under specified conditions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to prevent unintended activation and deployment of the emergency life-raft system in flight, which could impact rotor operation and helicopter control. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and flight safety. Failure to comply could result in unsafe flight conditions and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators of affected AW189 helicopters must inspect the emergency life-raft installations within 50 flight hours or 3 months from 4 November 2022, whichever occurs first. If damage or incorrect installation is found, corrective actions including replacement of control cables and life-raft assemblies must be completed before the next flight or within specified rectification intervals. Installation of only serviceable life-raft assemblies is permitted from the effective date.
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