Main Rotor — Pitch Link Upper Rod End Assembly — Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Leonardo AB139 and AW139 helicopters must perform a dimensional check of the affected main rotor pitch link upper rod end assemblies before the next flight after 2023-04-04. If discrepancies are found, the affected part must be replaced before further flight. Within 25 flight hours or at the next removal, the inspected parts must be re-identified with an 'R' after their serial number. Installation of affected parts on any helicopter is prohibited from the effective date.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0071-E is an emergency directive addressing the inspection of the main rotor pitch link upper rod end assembly with Part Number 3G6230A01133 installed on Leonardo AB139 and AW139 helicopters. It mandates a one-time dimensional check of affected parts to detect incorrect bearing installation that could lead to part fracture and potential loss of helicopter control. This directive applies to all serial numbers of the specified helicopter models.
What changed
This new emergency airworthiness directive introduces mandatory inspections of the main rotor pitch link upper rod end assemblies identified as affected parts. It requires operators to perform dimensional checks before the next flight after the effective date and to replace any parts found with discrepancies. Additionally, it prohibits installation of affected parts on any helicopter from the effective date onward.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk due to incorrect bearing installation that could cause failure of the main rotor pitch link and loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and prevent potential accidents. Compliance teams need to track affected serial numbers and ensure timely inspections and part replacements as required.
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