Equipment / Furnishing – Cargo Hook Barrel Nuts and Retainers – Inspection
Proposal for consultation. Not binding until EASA issues the final AD; the requirements can still change.
- Published
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of the specified Leonardo AW169 helicopters must perform a visual inspection within 850 flight hours or 25 months from the effective date of the directive, whichever comes first. If all barrel nuts and retainers are correctly installed, they must be secured before the next flight. If any are missing or loose, further inspection and removal are required, along with checks for damage and contacting Leonardo S.p.A. for repair instructions if damage is found.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive PAD No. 26-099 is a proposed directive addressing the inspection of cargo hook barrel nuts and retainers on Leonardo AW169 helicopters. It applies specifically to certain serial numbers of the AW169 model and focuses on structural provision Part Number 6F5310A07112 related to optionally installed cargo hooks. The directive mandates a one-time inspection to verify the correct installation and condition of these components.
What changed
This new proposed airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory inspection requirement for the barrel nuts and retainers associated with the cargo hook structural provision on affected AW169 helicopters. It requires operators to visually inspect the underfloor area for the presence and correct securing of these parts and to perform corrective actions if discrepancies or damage are found. The directive also provides detailed instructions for inspection and repair based on Leonardo S.p.A. Alert Service Bulletin 169-306.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because improperly installed or loose barrel nuts and retainers could lead to damage of structural elements or electrical cables in the helicopter underfloor area. Such damage may cause concurrent failures of multiple helicopter systems, posing safety risks. Compliance ensures continued airworthiness and operational safety of the affected AW169 helicopters.
More for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AW169
All 26- EASA AD 2026-0187Equipment / Furnishing – Cargo Hook Barrel Nuts and Retainers – InspectionSep 29, 2026
- EASA AD 2025-0051R1Equipment / Furnishings — Hoist — ReplacementMay 7, 2025
- EASA AD 2023-0188-EEquipment / Furnishings — Float Assemblies — ReplacementOct 30, 2023
- EASA AD 2023-0160Time Limits / Maintenance Checks — Airworthiness Limitations Section — AmendmentAug 16, 2023
- EASA AD 2022-0233-EDoors — Cockpit Door Handle — InspectionNov 30, 2022
Get the next one by email
New ADs and bulletins for Leonardo S.P.A. Helicopters AW169 and AW169, summarized like this page, every Monday.