Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-15483 · Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, and A109C Helicopters
Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, and A109C Helicopters
This AD applies to Model A109A, A109A II, and A109C helicopters, with grooved clamps, part number 4606AC, that attach the engine exhaust ducts, installed, certificated in any category.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) model helicopters. This AD results from mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) originated by an aviation authority to identify and correct an unsafe condition on an aviation product. The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), the Technical Agent for Italy, with which we have a bilateral agreement, states in the MCAI:
Required as indicated, unless already done, do the following:
(1) Within the next 20 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove, clean, and using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspect the four grooved clamps that attach the engine exhaust ducts as shown in Figure 1 and by following Steps 3 through 4.2. of the Compliance Instructions of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-123, dated November 16, 2006.
(2) If you find a crack or corrosion, before further flight, replace the unairworthy grooved clamp with an airworthy grooved clamp.
This AD differs from the MCAI as follows:
(1) We refer to flight hours as hours TIS.
(2) We are requiring the initial inspection to be done within the next 20 hours TIS instead of using the date and operating time specified in the MCAI.
(3) We are not requiring a recurring inspection of the grooved clamps, but we intend to propose to mandate the 300 hour time-in-service or yearly recurring inspection of the grooved clamps through our non-emergency rulemaking procedures.
(f) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 7800: Engine Exhaust.
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
