Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-18386 · Main rotor blade
Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
Superseded. A later AD replaced this one: AD 2017-18-13. Comply with the one in force.
This AD applies to Model A109A and A109AII helicopters with a main rotor blade (blade) part number (P/N) 109-0103-01-7, P/N 109-0103-01-9, or P/N 109-0103-01-115 that has 500 or more hours time-in-service installed, certificated in any category.
We are publishing a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109A and A109AII helicopters, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of these helicopters. This AD requires checking and inspecting each main rotor blade (blade) for a crack and replacing any cracked blade before further flight. This AD is prompted by abnormal vibrations leading to a precautionary landing and a post-flight inspection finding of a crack in a blade. These actions are intended to detect a crack in a blade and prevent failure of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.
You are responsible for performing each action required by this AD within the specified compliance time unless it has already been accomplished prior to that time.
(1) Before further flight, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 24 clock-hours, using a 3X or higher power magnifying glass, visually inspect the top and bottom surface of each blade for a crack in the area between the station at the end of the doublers and the station at the beginning of the abrasion strip. If there is a crack, before further flight, replace the blade with an airworthy blade.
(2) Before each flight, check the top and bottom surface of each blade for a crack in the area between the station at the end of the doublers and the station at the beginning of the abrasion strip. If there is a crack, inspect the blade in accordance with paragraph (e)(1) of this AD. The check required by this paragraph may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9 (a)(1) through (a)(4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
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
