Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters

FAA / Federal Register · 2021-16468

The FAA proposes to issue a new AD to supersede emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-23-52, which applies to all Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 and AW189 helicopters. AD 2018-23-52 requires inspecting the nut, cotter pin, lock-wire, and hinge bracket connected to the tail rotor servo-actuator (TRA) feedback lever link, and each connection of the TRA feedback lever link, and repair if necessary. AD 2018-23-52 also requires applying a paint stripe or torque seal on the nut and reporting certain information. Since the FAA issued AD 2018-23- 52, the FAA has determined certain inspections and checks of the tail rotor duplex bearings (TR DB), installation of an improved TRA and TR DB, certain other actions, and applicable corrective actions are necessary to address the unsafe condition. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the TRA, repetitive inspections and checks of the TR DB, installation of an improved TRA and TR DB, repetitive installations and checks of thermal strips, replacement of improved TR DB (life limit), and applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference (IBR). The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.