EASA AD 2024-0193
Fire Protection — Engine Fire Extinguisher Bottle Connections — Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2024-0193 is an airworthiness directive addressing the inspection of engine fire extinguisher bottle connections on Leonardo S.p.A. A109 series helicopters, including A109E, A109LUH, A109S, and AW109SP models. The directive mandates inspection of motor cables and bonding braids related to the engine fire extinguishing system to ensure correct installation and functionality.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a one-time inspection requirement for the correct installation of motor cables and bonding braids on the engine fire extinguisher bottles of affected Leonardo A109 helicopters. It also requires corrective actions if discrepancies are found during the inspection. No previous AD is superseded by this directive.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical because incorrect installation of motor cables and bonding braids can reduce the effectiveness of the engine fire extinguishing system, potentially compromising helicopter safety during an engine fire. Operators, maintenance organizations, and compliance teams must ensure inspections and any necessary repairs are completed to maintain airworthiness and operational safety.
What To Do
Operators of affected Leonardo A109 helicopters must perform an inspection of the motor cables and bonding braids on both sides of the engine fire extinguisher bottles within 3 months or 50 flight hours from the effective date of 25 October 2024, whichever occurs first. If any installation discrepancies are found, corrective actions must be completed before the next flight, following the instructions in the applicable Leonardo Alert Service Bulletins.