EASA AD 26-014 — Rotors Flight Control — Collective Stick Torque Tube Assembly — Inspection / Replacement
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 26-014 is a proposed directive addressing the inspection and replacement of the collective stick torque tube assembly on Leonardo S.p.A. A119 and AW119MKII helicopters up to serial number 14999 inclusive. The directive targets affected torque tube assemblies with Part Number 109-0011-03-105 due to manufacturing defects that could impair helicopter control. It mandates inspections, corrective actions, and eventual replacement with serviceable parts to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
EASA Airworthiness Directive 26-014 supersedes the previous AD 2023-0035 and introduces a requirement to replace affected collective stick torque tube assemblies with improved serviceable parts. It retains prior inspection requirements but adds a 12-month compliance deadline for replacement and prohibits installation of affected parts from the effective date. The directive also expands applicability to all torque tube assemblies with the specified part number and updates the related service bulletin to Revision C.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a safety risk involving abnormal rotations of the collective torque tube, which can reduce helicopter control and potentially cause forced landings. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to prevent accidents and ensure regulatory conformity. The directive also clarifies inspection intervals and replacement timelines, aiding maintenance planning and parts management.
What To Do
Operators of Leonardo A119 and AW119MKII helicopters must inspect affected collective stick torque tube assemblies within specified flight hour intervals according to the helicopter group classification. Any detected deficiencies require immediate replacement with serviceable parts before further flight. All affected parts must be replaced within 12 months of the directive's effective date, and installation of affected parts is prohibited from that date onward.