Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Leonardo S.p.a. Model AW189 helicopters. This AD was prompted by corrosion on the inlet check valve banjo fitting of emergency flotation system (EFS) float assemblies. This AD requires visually inspecting each banjo fitting installed on an affected EFS float assembly, and depending on the results, removing the banjo fitting from service. This AD also requires applying corrosion inhibiting compound and prohibits installing an affected EFS float assembly unless certain requirements have been accomplished as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now 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.