Main Rotor — Main Rotor Blade Tip Caps — Inspection / Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected Leonardo A109 helicopters must inspect the main rotor blade tip caps within 25 flight hours of 24 August 2023 and repeat inspections every 25 flight hours until the affected parts are replaced. Any deficiencies found must be corrected by replacing the affected parts before the next flight. Full replacement of affected parts with serviceable ones must be completed within 300 flight hours. Installation of affected parts is prohibited from the effective date.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0159 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection and replacement of main rotor blade tip caps on Leonardo S.p.A. A109 series helicopters, including A109C, A109E, A109S, and AW109SP models. The directive targets specific main rotor blade assemblies identified by part and serial numbers that may have tip caps improperly installed, risking detachment during flight.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory repetitive inspections of affected main rotor blade tip caps within 25 flight hours and at intervals not exceeding 25 flight hours thereafter. It requires replacement of any defective parts before further flight and mandates full replacement of affected parts within 300 flight hours. The AD also prohibits installation of affected parts on any helicopter from the effective date.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential safety hazard that could lead to loss of control of the helicopter due to detachment of the main rotor blade tip cap. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to prevent in-flight failures, maintain airworthiness, and avoid regulatory penalties. The directive impacts maintenance planning and parts management for affected Leonardo A109 helicopters.
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New ADs and bulletins for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters A109, S.P.A. Helicopters A119, A109 and AW109SP, summarized like this page, every Monday.