AD 2000-08-02 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta Model A109A, A109AII, and A109C Helicopters

Models named: A109A, A109AII, A109C. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A109A, A109AII, and A109C helicopters, Serial Number (S/N) 7630, 7633, 7654, 7667, 7671, 7672, 7676, or 7677 with main transmission, part number (P/N) 109-0400-02-5 or 109-0400-03-105, with Gleason crown, P/N 109-0403-07, installed, certified in any category. Note 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been otherwise modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must request approval for an alternative method of compliance in accordance with paragraph (c) of this AD. The request should include an assessment of the effect of the modification, alteration, or repair on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD; and, if the unsafe condition has not been eliminated, the request should include specific proposed actions to address it.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of the main transmission, loss of rotor drive, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before further flight, determine if a transmission with a S/N specified in Table 1 is installed. Table 1 Transmission P/N Transmission S/N Gleason Crown S/N 109-0400-02-5 171 A0488 109-0400-02-5 326 A0490 109-0400-03-105 026 A0571 109-0400-03-105 028 A0572 109-0400-03-105 025 A0578 109-0400-03-105 029 A0584 109-0400-03-105 036 A0614 109-0400-03-105 037 A0618 109-0400-03-105 041 A0630 109-0400-03-105 A2-1274 A2-0645 109-0400-03-105 A2-1356 B15919 (b) If the installed Gleason crown, P/N 109-0403-07, S/N is listed in Table 1, before further flight, replace it with an airworthy Gleason crown, P/N 109-0403-07-103, S/N B58264 or subsequent, except S/N B58271. (1) After installing the replacement Gleason crown, mark the nomenclature “S.M. 109254” on the “Modification Incorporated” area of the additional nameplate, P/N MS27253-2. Update the main transmission “Assembly Historical Record” or equivalent record, with the P/N and S/N of the Gleason crown installed. (2) If not previously bonded to the transmission, bond the additional nameplate, P/N MS27253-2, with adhesive EA934NA below the main transmission nameplate. Note 2: Agusta Bollettino Technico 109-109, dated June 3, 1999, pertains to the subject of this AD. (c) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used if approved by the Manager, Regulations Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Regulations Group. Note 3: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Regulations Group. (d) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with §§ 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 1, 2000. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Registro Aeronautico Italiano (Italy) AD 99-267, dated June 10, 1999. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 7, 2000. Henry A. Armstrong, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-9359 Filed 4-13-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P