Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-19191 · Emergency flotation section
Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters
This AD applies to Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AW189 helicopters, certificated in any category, with an emergency float system (EFS) float assembly part number (P/N) 8G9560V00131, serial number (S/N) 066 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00231, S/N 068 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00331, S/N 068 or lower; or P/N 8G9560V00431, S/N 067 or lower, installed.
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AW189 helicopters. This AD requires inspecting and altering the emergency flotation system (EFS). This AD is prompted by a report of punctured EFS kits. The actions of this AD are intended to prevent an unsafe condition on these helicopters.
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) Within 120 hours time-in-service:
(i) Unfold and inspect each float bag assembly for any cuts, tears, punctures, or abrasion. If there is a cut, tear, puncture, or any abrasion, before further flight, repair the float bag assembly.
(ii) Replace each O-ring P/N S-B10104 with a pressure relief/topping (PRT) valve gasket P/N 316683A.
(iii) Install each PRT valve P/N P-G10025 and apply a torque of 4.5 to 5.5 Nm (39.8 to 48.6 inch-pounds).
(iv) Replace each inflate/deflate protection P/N 304694A with a PRT valve protection P/N 304694B.
(v) Install a piece of tape approximately 220 millimeters long over each PRT valve protection P/N 304694B.
(2) After the effective date of this AD, do not install an EFS float assembly P/N 8G9560V00131, S/N 066 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00231, S/N 068 or lower; P/N 8G9560V00331, S/N 068 or lower; or P/N 8G9560V00431, S/N 067 or lower on any helicopter unless you have complied with the actions in paragraph (e)(1) of this AD.
