Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-16397 · Agusta S.p.A. Model A119 and AW119 MKII Helicopters
Agusta S.p.A. Model A119 and AW119 MKII Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2013-09-06. Comply with the one in force.
Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters, with pilot control box assembly (control box), part number (P/N) 109-0010-81-103, and co-pilot control box, P/N 109-0010-81-107, installed, certificated in any category.
This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2010-15-51, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A119 and AW119 MKII helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, removing the cover of each pilot and co-pilot control box assembly (control box) and inspecting each rotary variable differential transformer (RVDT) control gear locking pin (locking pin) for proper position. If a locking pin is recessed, extended, or missing, this AD requires replacing the control box before further flight. This amendment is prompted by a report that an RVDT locking pin that was installed on a Model AW119 MKII helicopter moved from its proper position, resulting in loss of connectivity of the pilot and co-pilot throttle controls. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent the RVDT locking pin from moving from its proper position, which could lead to loss of manual engine throttle control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
To detect a missing, or improperly fitted, engine rotary variable differential transformer (RVDT) control gear locking pin (locking pin), P/N MS16555-628, which could lead to loss of manual engine throttle control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following:
(a) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS) unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS, remove the cover of the pilot and co-pilot control boxes and inspect the locking pins for proper position by following the Compliance Instructions, Parts I and II, paragraphs 2. through 4.1 for the pilot control box and paragraphs 5. through 7.1 for the co-pilot control box, in Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 119-39, dated July 2, 2010.
(b) If the locking pin is recessed or extended in excess of 2.0 millimeters from the face of the pin bore, or missing, before further flight, replace the control box with an airworthy control box that has been inspected in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD. Replacing the control box does not constitute terminating action for the inspection requirements of this AD.
(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: Rao Edupuganti, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-4389, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance.
(d) The Joint Aircraft System/Component (JASC) Code is 6700: Rotors Flight Control.
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
