EASA AD 2024-0019
Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — Amendment
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0019 is an amendment addressing the time limits and maintenance checks for SAFRAN Helicopter Engines RTM 322-01/9 and RTM 322-01/9A models, commonly installed on NH Industries NH90 military helicopters. This directive mandates compliance with updated Airworthiness Limitations Sections (ALS) in the engine maintenance manuals to ensure continued airworthiness. It applies to all serial numbers of these engine models and requires operators to follow revised maintenance tasks and life limits.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0019 supersedes previous directives 2017-0235, 2022-0254, and 2022-0255 by introducing new and more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limitations as specified in the latest ALS approved on 24 February 2023. The directive updates the maintenance requirements and intervals to reflect the latest safety standards and manufacturer recommendations. It retains the core requirements of the previous ADs while incorporating these new amendments.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because it ensures that maintenance programs for RTM 322-01/9 and RTM 322-01/9A engines remain aligned with the latest safety and reliability standards. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent unsafe conditions that could arise from overlooked or outdated maintenance tasks. Compliance also ensures regulatory adherence under EU aviation safety regulations, avoiding operational restrictions or grounding of affected helicopters.
What To Do
Operators must remove engine components before exceeding their life limits and perform all maintenance tasks within specified intervals as outlined in the updated ALS starting from 25 January 2024. Any discrepancies found during maintenance must be corrected within the prescribed compliance times or before the next flight if no time is specified. Additionally, the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme must be revised within 12 months of the effective date to incorporate the new limitations and tasks.
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