EASA AD 2025-0147
Ice and Rain Protection — Air Intake Heating Electrical System — Check / Inspection
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2025-0147 is issued for Leonardo S.p.A. AW189 helicopters, addressing the ice and rain protection system specifically the air intake heating electrical system. It mandates repetitive inspections of engine air intake electrical connectors and a one-time inspection for bonding strap presence on certain helicopters to prevent potential fire hazards. This directive applies to all serial numbers of AW189 helicopters and references Leonardo Alert Service Bulletin 189-408.
What Changed
This new Airworthiness Directive introduces mandatory repetitive isolation resistance checks of the engine air intake electrical connectors for Group 1 AW189 helicopters and a one-time bonding strap inspection for Group 2 helicopters equipped with a specific air intake controller part number. It also requires corrective actions if discrepancies are found and allows installation of the air intake controller part number 8G7160V03231 under specified conditions. The AD is an interim measure pending further investigation and future AD actions.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals to mitigate the risk of fire associated with the air intake heating electrical system on AW189 helicopters. Operators and maintenance organizations must ensure compliance to maintain aircraft airworthiness and safety. Failure to comply could result in unsafe conditions leading to fire, impacting operational safety and regulatory adherence.
What To Do
Operators of AW189 helicopters must perform initial and repetitive isolation resistance checks of the engine air intake electrical connectors within specified flight hour limits or time intervals, and conduct a one-time bonding strap inspection for certain helicopters by 25 July 2025 or within 25 flight hours after that date. Any discrepancies found must be corrected before the next flight following the instructions in Leonardo Alert Service Bulletin 189-408. Additionally, installation of the specified air intake controller is permitted if done according to the service bulletin.