AD 2022-13-01 Prompted By A Report Of A Blockage In A Fuel Tank Vent Line

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a blockage in a fuel tank vent line.

This AD requires inspecting the fuel tank vent lines, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective July 21, 2022. 

Supplementary Information: EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2021-0238, dated November 2, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0238), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.a., formerly Finmeccanica S.p.A., AgustaWestland S.p.A., Model AW169 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) from 69006 up to 69125 inclusive, except S/N 69040; and S/N 69130, 69132, 69133, 69134, 69136, and 69139.  The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters as identified in EASA AD 2021-0238. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 21, 2022 (87 FR 15894). The NPRM was prompted by a report of a blockage in a fuel tank vent line. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting the fuel tank vent lines, as specified in EASA AD 2021-0238.  The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and address the blockage. See EASA AD 2021-0238 for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov