EASA AD US-2018-19-09
Landing Gear - Components - Life Limit / Inspection
Summary
Airworthiness Directive 2018-19-09 is a final rule issued by the FAA that applies to Sikorsky Model S-92A helicopters. It addresses the life limits and inspection requirements for various landing gear components to prevent fatigue failure. The directive mandates inspections and reduced retirement lives for specific landing gear parts to ensure continued airworthiness.
What Changed
This AD supersedes AD 2017-14-03 by retaining its inspection requirements while reducing the retirement lives of additional landing gear components. It also introduces repetitive visual and ultrasonic inspections to detect potential cracks or failures in the landing gear assembly. These changes are based on updated fatigue life analyses.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals as it helps prevent landing gear failures that could lead to loss of control of the helicopter. Operators and maintenance teams must adhere to the updated life limits and inspection schedules to maintain safety and regulatory compliance. Failure to comply could result in unsafe conditions and regulatory penalties.
What To Do
Operators must remove from service any affected landing gear parts that have reached the specified landing cycle limits before further flight. They must also perform repetitive visual and ultrasonic inspections as outlined in the directive. The AD becomes effective on October 30, 2018, and compliance with all actions is mandatory by that date.
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