Fuselage — Centre Fuselage Frame Assembly — Inspection / Repair / Modification
Superseded. Comply with 2024-0004R1, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
- Replaces
- 2022-0153
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of affected A109 helicopters must perform initial and repetitive inspections of the centre fuselage frame assembly within specified flight hour or landing thresholds, depending on helicopter group classification. If cracks are found, repairs or reinforcements must be completed within defined timeframes, with a required modification to the fuselage reinforcement to be accomplished within 32 months from the AD's effective date. Compliance with the instructions in the referenced Leonardo Alert Service Bulletins is mandatory.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0004 is an airworthiness directive addressing inspection, repair, and modification of the centre fuselage frame assembly on Leonardo S.p.A. A109 helicopters, including A109E, A109S (up to serial number 22199), and A109LUH models. It mandates inspections for cracks in the fuselage frame at station 1815 and requires corrective actions or modifications to maintain structural integrity.
What changed
This directive supersedes EASA AD 2022-0153 and retains its inspection requirements while introducing a new mandatory modification for the affected fuselage area. The modification provides a terminating action for the previously required repetitive inspections. It also expands applicability to include additional A109 helicopter models and updates the associated service bulletins.
Why it matters
This AD is critical for aviation professionals to ensure the structural safety of affected Leonardo A109 helicopters by detecting and repairing cracks that could compromise airworthiness. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to avoid unsafe conditions and potential grounding of aircraft. The directive also streamlines compliance by offering a modification that ends the need for repetitive inspections.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters A109
All 51- EASA AD 2026-0168Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box and Chip Detector – InspectionAug 24, 2026
- EASA AD 2024-0004R1Fuselage – Centre Fuselage Frame Assembly – Inspection / Repair / ModificationAug 10, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-088Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box and Chip Detector – InspectionJul 23, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0115Stabilizers – Torque Tube Assembly – InspectionJun 15, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0045Rotors Flight Control — Collective Stick Torque Tube Assembly — Inspection / Replacement
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