Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16409 · Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A119 and AW119 MKII Helicopters
Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A119 and AW119 MKII Helicopters
Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters, with a 90-degree tail rotor gearbox (TGB), part number (P/N) 109-0440-06-103, installed, certificated in any category.
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-12-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of the specified Agusta model helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, before further flight, removing the forward boot from the hub-locking nut (nut) and inserting a gauge between the tail rotor control rod (rod) and nut until the gauge stops. This AD then requires, depending on the depth measurement from the face of the nut, either reidentifying the tail rotor gearbox (TGB) with a new part number (P/N) or replacing the TGB and the associated parts with airworthy parts. This AD is prompted by a report of a missing rod bushing (bushing) from a 90- degree TGB installed on a Model AW119 MKII helicopter. The Agusta Model A119 helicopters also have the affected TGB installed; therefore, they are also included in the applicability of this AD. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect a missing bushing in the TGB and to prevent abnormal vibration, damage to the tail rotor system, loss of the yaw control function, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To prevent abnormal vibration and damage to the tail rotor system, loss of the yaw control function, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, do the following:
(a) Before further flight, remove the forward boot, P/N 109-0135-10, from the hub-locking nut (nut), P/N 109-0135-12, as shown in Figure 1 of Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 119-38, dated March 25, 2010 (ABT).
(1) Insert a 0.3 millimeter (mm) thickness gauge, not exceeding 10 mm in width, between the tail rotor control rod (rod) and the nut as shown in Figure 2 of the ABT until the gauge stops.
(2) From the face of the nut, measure the depth the gauge is inserted between the rod and the nut before it stops:
(i) If the depth measurement is between 4 mm and 6 mm, the bushing, P/N 109-0135-14-101, is installed. Within 5 hours time-in service, reidentify the TGB, P/N 109-0440-06-103, by using an etch pen to change the last three digits of the P/N from -103 to -105.
Note 1: Installing a new nameplate by following the Compliance Instructions, Part II, of the ABT satisfies the reidentification requirements of the TGB P/N in paragraph (a)(2)(i) of this AD.
(ii) If the depth measurement is greater than 6 mm, before further flight, replace the TGB, P/N 109-0440-06-103, with TGB, P/N 109-0440-06-105, and replace the associated parts listed in the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraph 4, of the ABT with the associated parts listed in the Accomplishment Instructions, Part I, paragraph 5, of the ABT.
(b) 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: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Guidance Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5204, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(c) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6520: Tail Rotor Gearbox.
(d) Replacing the associated parts and removing the boot, and measuring the insertion depth of the gauge shall be done by following the specified portions of Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 119-38, dated March 25, 2010. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Agusta, Via Giovanni Agusta, 520 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA), Italy, telephone 39 0331-229111, fax 39 0331-229605/222595, or at http://customersupport.agusta.com/technical_advice.php. Copies may be inspected at the FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Room 663, Fort Worth, Texas, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html.
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
