Equipment / Furnishings — Float Assemblies — Replacement
- Published
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- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Leonardo AW169 helicopters must replace affected float assemblies within 25 flight hours or by the next scheduled maintenance task 95-24 or 95-25, or within 24 months, whichever occurs first, starting from 1 November 2023. Installation of affected parts is prohibited from the effective date. Alternatively, deactivation of the emergency flotation system is allowed until replacement is completed, after which reactivation is permitted following approved maintenance instructions.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2023-0188-E is an emergency directive addressing manufacturing deficiencies in certain DART Aerospace forward and aft float assemblies installed on Leonardo AW169 helicopters. It mandates replacement of affected float assemblies to ensure continued airworthiness and safety during ditching events. The directive applies to all serial numbers of the AW169 helicopter equipped with specified part numbers of float assemblies.
What changed
This new emergency airworthiness directive requires operators to replace affected DART Aerospace float assemblies identified by specific part and serial numbers with serviceable parts. It introduces a prohibition on installing affected parts from the effective date and allows deactivation of the emergency flotation system as a temporary compliance method. The directive also references Leonardo S.p.A. Alert Service Bulletin 169-257 for replacement instructions.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk that could lead to float assembly failure, potentially hindering emergency egress during a ditching event. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and passenger safety. Failure to comply could result in regulatory penalties and increased risk during water landings.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AW169
All 26- EASA AD 2026-0187Equipment / Furnishing – Cargo Hook Barrel Nuts and Retainers – InspectionSep 29, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-099Equipment / Furnishing – Cargo Hook Barrel Nuts and Retainers – InspectionAug 31, 2026
- EASA AD 2025-0051R1Equipment / Furnishings — Hoist — ReplacementMay 7, 2025
- EASA AD 2023-0160Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — AmendmentAug 16, 2023
- EASA AD 2022-0233-EDoors — Cockpit Door Handle — Inspection
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