Action
Final rule.
Summary
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2021-22- 05, which applied to all Leonardo S.p.a. (Leonardo) Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters. AD 2021-22-05 required repetitively inspecting certain torque tube assemblies for any deficiency and corrective action if necessary, and replacing any affected part with a serviceable part, which was terminating action for the repetitive inspections. AD 2021- 22-05 was prompted by reports of abnormal play on the collective torque tube on two Leonardo Model AW119 MKII helicopters, which were due to an erroneous manufacturing process. Since the FAA issued AD 2021-22-05, it was discovered that additional torque tube assemblies are subject to the unsafe condition. This AD retains certain requirements specified in AD 2021-22-05, reduces the applicability to include helicopters with only affected part-numbered collective torque tube assemblies, reduces the inspection intervals, and removes the previously approved terminating action. These requirements are 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.