Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-11853 · Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A and A109A II Helicopters
Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A and A109A II Helicopters
Model A109A and A109A II helicopters, with main rotor blade part number (P/N) 109-0103-01-(all dash numbers except P/N 109-0103-01-115), installed, certificated in any category.
Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (d) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109A and A109A II helicopters. This AD requires radiographic inspections of the internal surface of each main rotor blade spar (spar) for corrosion. This AD is prompted by the discovery of corrosion on the internal surfaces of the spar in the area adjacent to the main rotor blade inertia balance weights. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a main rotor blade due to corrosion on the internal surface of the spar and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent failure of a main rotor blade due to corrosion on the internal surface of the spar and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 25 hours time-in-service (TIS), perform a radiographic inspection of the upper and lower surfaces of each main rotor blade for internal corrosion on the spar in accordance with (IAW) Part I, paragraph 4, of Agusta Service Bulletin No. 109-111, dated October 14, 1999 (ASB).
(1) If no corrosion is detected, re-identify the blade by vibro-etching the letter “R” after the serial number on the nameplate.
(2) If corrosion is detected at the STA 1354 centered inspection, remove the affected blade from service before further flight.
(3) If corrosion is detected at the STA 2825 centered inspection, re-identify the blade by vibro-etching the letters “RC” after the serial number on the nameplate.
(b) After re-identifying a blade with the letter “R” after the serial number on the nameplate in accordance with paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, at intervals not to exceed 24 months, repeat the radiographic inspection IAW Part I, paragraph 4, of the ASB.
(1) If corrosion is detected at the STA 1354 centered inspection, remove the affected blade from service before further flight.
(2) If corrosion is detected at the STA 2825 centered inspection, re-identify the blade by vibro-etching the letter “C” after the letter “R” previously vibro-etched on the nameplate after the serial number.
(c) After re-identifying a blade with the letters “RC” after the serial number on the nameplate IAW paragraph (a)(3) or (b)(2) of this AD,
(1) At intervals not to exceed 24 months, repeat the STA 1354 centered radiographic inspection IAW Part I, paragraph 4.3 of the ASB, and
(2) Perform either:
(i) An eddy current inspection and, thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS, repeat the eddy current inspection centered at STA 2825 in accordance with Part II, paragraph 1, of the ASB, or
(ii) A dye penetrant inspection and, thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS, repeat the dye-penetrant inspection centered at STA 2825 IAW with Part II, paragraph 2, of the ASB.
(3) If corrosion is detected at the STA 1354 centered radiographic inspection or if a crack is detected at the STA 2825 centered eddy currant or dye penetrant inspection, remove the affected blade from service before further flight.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
Aircraft
