Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15519 · Agusta S.p.A. Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 Helicopters
Agusta S.p.A. Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2021-07-05. Comply with the one in force.
Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 helicopters, with a main rotor blade (MRB), Part Number (P/N) 709-0103-01-all dash numbers, certificated in any category.
This document supersedes Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2001-24- 07 R1 and adopts AD 2007-26-52, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires inspections for swelling, deformation, bonding separation, or a crack on each main rotor blade (MRB) with a certain tip cap installed, and if any of these conditions are found that exceed the prescribed limits, replacing the MRB before further flight. This amendment is prompted by a report of the in-flight loss of part of a tip cap. The actions specified in this AD are intended to prevent an increase in vibration of the MRB and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
(a) For a MRB with a serial number that has a prefix of either “EM-” or “A5-”, except a MRB with a tip cap, P/N 709-0103-29-109, installed, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS:
(1) Tap inspect the upper and lower sides of each tip cap for bonding separation between the metal shells and the honeycomb core using a steel tap hammer, P/N 109-3101-58-1, or a coin (quarter) in the area indicated as honeycomb core on Figure 1 of Alert Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 109-106, No. 109K-22, or No. 109EP-1, all Revision B, and all dated December 19, 2000, as applicable to your model helicopter. Also, tap inspect for bonding separation in the tip cap to blade bond area (no bonding voids are permitted in this area).
(2) Visually inspect the upper and lower sides of each blade tip cap for swelling or deformation.
(3) Dye-penetrant inspect the tip cap leading edge along the welded joint line of the upper and lower tip cap skin shells for a crack in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, steps 3. through 3.2.6., of the applicable BT.
(4) If any swelling, deformation, crack, or bonding separation that exceeds the prescribed limits in the applicable maintenance manual is found, replace the blade with an airworthy blade before further flight.
(b) For a MRB with a tip cap, P/N 709-0103-29-109, installed, perform the following in accordance with Table 1:
| For each tip cap: | Comply: |
|---|---|
| With 600 or more hours TIS | Within the next 5 hours TIS or 30 days, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. |
| With less than 600 hours TIS | Before reaching 600 hours TIS, and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. |
(1) Using a 10x or higher power magnifying glass, visually inspect the tip cap leading edge welded bead (joint line between the two metallic shells) for a crack in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, steps 1. through 2. of BT No. 109-125, No. 109EP-85, or No. 109K-48, all dated December 13, 2007, as applicable to your model helicopter.
(2) If there is damage other than a crack, inspect the tip cap leading edge along the welded joint line of the shells for a crack using a dye penetrant method in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, steps 3. through 3.7. of BT No. 109-125, No. 109EP-85, or No. 109K-48, all dated December 13, 2007, as applicable to your model helicopter.
(3) If a crack is present, remove the blade and replace it with an airworthy blade before further flight.
(c) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: Sharon Miles, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
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
