Wed, May 19, 2021
AD 2021-10-01 Requires Temporarily Revising The Existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW169 helicopters. This AD was prompted by false simultaneous in-flight disengagement of automatic flight control system (AFCS) channels 1 and 2.
This AD requires temporarily revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter. This AD also requires installing an AFCS software upgrade and concurrently removing that RFM revision. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective June 2, 2021.
Supplementary Information: EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2017-0156, dated August 24, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0156), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A. (formerly Finmeccanica Helicopter Division, AgustaWestland) Model AW169 helicopters, all serial numbers, except those equipped with AFCS software part number (P/N) 6F2210AS0103 or later. EASA advises of false simultaneous in-flight disengagement of AFCS channels 1 and 2 that resulted from the activation of specific AFCS modes combined with the unavailability of hybrid ground speed data at take-off. Accordingly, EASA AD 2017-0156 requires temporarily amending the Limitations Section of the RFM, informing all flight crews, and thereafter, operating the helicopter accordingly. EASA AD 2017-0156 also requires installing AFCS software P/N 6F2210AS0103 and removing the temporary RFM revision. This condition, if not addressed, could result in temporary loss of control of the
helicopter, possibly resulting in damage to the helicopter or injury to occupants.
EASA initially issued EASA AD 2017-0112 dated June 26, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0112), to address this unsafe condition. EASA issued AD 2017-0156 to supersede EASA AD 2017-0112 to require installing the newly-developed AFCS software upgrade and removal of the temporary RFM revision.
More News
How To Get A Story On Aero-TV News/Feature Programming How do I submit a story idea or lead to Aero-TV? If you would like to submit a story idea or lead, please contact Jim Campbel>[...]
Aero Linx: International Association of Professional Gyroplane Training (IAPGT) We are an Association of people who fly, build or regulate Gyroplanes, who have a dream of a single >[...]
NORDO (No Radio) Aircraft that cannot or do not communicate by radio when radio communication is required are referred to as “NORDO.”>[...]
Beyond Visual Line Of Sight (BVLOS) The operation of a UAS beyond the visual capability of the flight crew members (i.e., remote pilot in command [RPIC], the person manipulating th>[...]
Aero Linx: Malibu M-Class Owners and Pilots Association (MMOPA) The Piper M-Class Owners & Pilots Association (PMOPA) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the interest>[...]