EASA AD 2026-0004
Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — Amendment
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0004 is an amendment concerning Leonardo AW189 helicopters equipped with General Electric CT7-2E1 or Safran Aneto-1K engines. It updates the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the aircraft maintenance planning information to include new and more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limits. This directive ensures continued airworthiness by mandating compliance with the latest ALS revisions.
What Changed
EASA AD 2026-0004 supersedes the previous AD 2025-0090 and introduces updated ALS documents with new and/or more restrictive maintenance tasks and life limits for Leonardo AW189 helicopters. The amendment requires operators to replace components before exceeding new life limits and to perform maintenance tasks within revised thresholds and intervals. It also mandates revising the approved Aircraft Maintenance Programme (AMP) within 12 months to incorporate these changes.
Why It Matters
This amendment is critical for aviation professionals as it enforces compliance with updated mandatory maintenance instructions to prevent unsafe conditions. Operators and maintenance organizations must adapt their maintenance schedules and procedures to the new requirements to ensure regulatory compliance and aircraft safety. Failure to comply could lead to unsafe conditions and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators of Leonardo AW189 helicopters must comply with the updated ALS tasks and life limits from 27 January 2026. They must replace components before exceeding new life limits and perform all maintenance tasks within specified intervals. Additionally, the approved AMP must be revised within 12 months after the effective date to incorporate the updated limitations and tasks. Any discrepancies found during maintenance must be corrected per Leonardo's instructions before the next flight or within specified compliance times.