EASA AD 2026-0168 — Tail Rotor Drive – Tail Gear Box and Chip Detector – Inspection

Summary

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0168 is issued for Leonardo S.p.A. A109 series helicopters and AW109SP models, addressing inspection requirements for the tail rotor drive's tail gear box (TGB) and chip detector. This directive applies to all serial numbers of the affected helicopter models equipped with specific Turbomecanica-manufactured TGB case assemblies. The AD mandates repetitive inspections, cleaning, and operational tests to detect abnormal wear and prevent potential failure of the tail gear box.

What Changed

EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0168 introduces new mandatory maintenance actions including inspection of oil color, chip detector inspection and cleaning, and operational testing for affected tail gear boxes. It establishes a compliance schedule with intervals not exceeding 100 flight hours or 6 months and requires reporting of discrepancies to Leonardo S.p.A. This AD also defines terminating action by replacing the affected TGB with a non-affected unit.

Why It Matters

This AD is critical for aviation professionals because it addresses a safety risk related to abnormal wear in the tail gear box that could lead to loss of yaw control in affected helicopters. Operators and maintenance organizations must implement these inspections to ensure continued airworthiness and prevent potential accidents. Compliance with this directive is mandatory to maintain operational approval of the affected helicopters within EASA jurisdictions.

What To Do

Operators of affected Leonardo A109 and AW109SP helicopters must perform the specified maintenance actions during the next scheduled tail rotor gearbox oil replacement or within 30 days after 7 September 2026, whichever is later. These inspections and tests must be repeated every 100 flight hours or 6 months. Any discrepancies found must be corrected before further flight and reported to Leonardo S.p.A. Replacing the affected TGB with a non-affected unit terminates the repetitive inspection requirement.