Fuselage – Centre Fuselage Frame Assembly – Inspection / Repair / Modification
- Published
- Effective
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 according to specified intervals, with inspections required within 100 flight hours after reaching certain flight hour or landing thresholds. If cracks are found, corrective repairs or reinforcements must be completed within defined timeframes, including a fuselage reinforcement modification within nine years of 19 January 2024 unless already done. Compliance with updated Leonardo Alert Service Bulletins is mandatory.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0004R1 is an updated regulation addressing inspection, repair, and modification requirements for the centre fuselage frame assembly on Leonardo S.p.A. A109 helicopters, including A109E, A109S (up to serial number 22199), and A109LUH models. The directive mandates repetitive inspections and structural reinforcement to ensure the integrity of the fuselage frame at station 1815, where cracks have been reported. It applies to all serial numbers within the specified helicopter models.
What changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0004R1 revises the previous AD 2024-0004 by extending the compliance time for the fuselage reinforcement modification and introducing references to updated Leonardo Alert Service Bulletins with improved instructions. This revision accommodates operational constraints by allowing postponement of the modification embodiment while retaining inspection and repair requirements.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a structural integrity issue that could compromise helicopter safety if undetected. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with inspection intervals and corrective actions to prevent potential failures. The updated compliance timeline and improved instructions help balance safety with operational feasibility, ensuring continued airworthiness without undue disruption.
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 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 / ReplacementMar 4, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-014Rotors Flight Control — Collective Stick Torque Tube Assembly — Inspection / Replacement
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for these 6 aircraft types, summarized like this page, every Monday.