AD 2021-20-12 Prompted By Failure Of An Emergency Flotation System (EFS) Float Compartment To Inflate

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139, AW139, AB412, and AB412 EP helicopters.

This AD was prompted by failure of an Emergency Flotation System (EFS) float compartment to inflate during maintenance of the EFS. This AD requires inspecting certain EFSs and depending on the results, marking certain parts or removing certain parts from service, 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 November 22, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2019-0311, dated December 19, 2019 (EASA AD 2019-0311), to correct an unsafe condition for Leonardo S.p.A., formerly Finmeccanica Helicopter Division, AgustaWestland, Agusta S.p.A., Model AB139, AW139, AB412, and AB412EP helicopters.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AB139, AW139, AB412, and AB412EP helicopters. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on July 30, 2021 (86 FR 40962). The NPRM was prompted by failure of an EFS float compartment to inflate during maintenance of the EFS. The NPRM proposed to require inspecting each EFS supply hose and depending on the results, re-identifying or removing the EFS supply hose from service, as specified in an EASA AD.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address a blocked float supply hose. See EASA AD 2019-0311 for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov