EASA AD No.: 2011-0140 

EASA Form 110 Page 1/2 

EASA AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE 

AD No.: 2011-0140 

Date: 20 July 2011 

Note: This Airworthiness Directive (AD) is issued by EASA, acting in accordance with 

Regulation (EC) No 216/2008 on behalf of the European Community, its Member States and of 

the European third countries that participate in the activities of EASA under Article 66 of that 

Regulation.

This AD is issued in accordance with EC 1702/2003, Part 21A.3B. In accordance with EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.301, the 

continuing airworthiness of an aircraft shall be ensured by accomplishing any applicable ADs. Consequently, no person may operate 

an aircraft to which an AD applies, except in accordance with the requirements of that AD unless otherwise specified by the Agency 

[EC 2042/2003 Annex I, Part M.A.303] or agreed with the Authority of the State of Registry [EC 216/2008, Article 14(4) exemption]. 

Type Approval Holder’s Name : 

Agusta S.p.A. 

Type/Model designation(s) : 

AW139 helicopters 

TCDS Number : EASA.R.006 

Foreign AD : Not applicable 

Supersedure : None 

ATA 23 Communications – Primus Epic Harnesses Solder Splices – 

Inspection / Replacement 

Manufacturer(s): Agusta S.p.A. and Agusta Aerospace Corporation 

Applicability: AW139 helicopters, serial numbers: 31248, 31249, 41001 to 41023 inclusive, 

41201 to 41234 inclusive, 41236 to 41239 inclusive, 41241, 41243 to 41245 

inclusive, 41247, 41248, 41250, 41253 to 41255 inclusive, and 41257. 

Reason: Some occurrences have been reported of intermittent noise in the Co-Pilot 

audio system. 

The technical investigations carried out by Agusta show that some of the 

solder splices on the audio panel were the possible cause of these 

malfunctions. 

This condition, if not detected and corrected, could impair the Co-Pilot’s 

capability to react immediately to operational difficulties. 

To address this potentially unsafe condition, Agusta have issued Bolletino 

Tecnico (BT) 139-249. 

For the reasons described above, this AD requires accomplishment of an 

inspection of the solder splices and related wires for checking their condition 

and proper installation and, depending on findings, replacement of the solder 

splices. 

Effective Date: 03 August 2011 
EASA AD No.: 2011-0140 

EASA Form 110 Page 2/2 

Required Action(s) 

and Compliance 

Time(s): 

Required as indicated, unless already accomplished:

(1) For helicopters equipped with connectors as detailed in Table 1 (shortnose helicopters) or Table 2 (long-nose helicopters) of Agusta BT 139-249, 

as applicable, within 600 flight hours or 6 months, whichever occurs first 

after the effective date of this AD, or, when an “AVIONIC FAULT” cockpit 

message is displayed, before next flight, inspect the solder splices Part 

Number (P/N) D-110-41, for proper installation and overheating condition, 

in accordance with the instructions of Agusta BT 139-249. 

(2) If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, a 

discrepancy is found on the solder splices, before next flight, replace the 

solder splices with serviceable parts, in accordance with the instructions of 

Agusta BT 139-249. 

(3) If, during the inspection as required by paragraph (1) of this AD, no 

discrepancy is found on the solder splices, before next flight, accomplish a 

manual pull-test of the splice, twisting the wires on each splice of the 

connector and, if a splice fails the pull-test, replace the defective splice 

with a serviceable part, in accordance with the instructions of Agusta BT 

139-249. 

(4) From the effective date of this AD, do not install any solder splice P/N 

D-110-41 as identified in Table 1 and Table 2 of Agusta BT 139-249 on 

any helicopter, unless the solder splice has passed the inspection in 

accordance with the instructions of Agusta BT 139-249. 

Ref. Publications: Agusta Bollettino Tecnico 139-249, original issue dated 13 July 2011. 

The use of later approved revisions of this document is acceptable for 

compliance with the requirements of this AD. 

Remarks: 1. If requested and appropriately substantiated, EASA can approve 

Alternative Methods of Compliance for this AD. 

2. The required actions and the risk allowance have granted the issuance of 

a Final AD with Request for Comments, postponing the public consultation 

process after publication. 

3. Enquiries regarding this AD should be referred to the Safety Information 

Section, Executive Directorate, EASA. E-mail: ADs@easa.europa.eu .

4. For any question concerning the technical content of the requirements in 

this AD, please contact Agusta S.p.A. 

E-mail: aw139.mbx@agustawestland.com .