AD 2000-17-52 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E Helicopters

Models named: A109E. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A109E helicopters, up to and including serial number (S/N) 11082, with main rotor rotating scissors assembly, part number (P/N) 109-0134-09, installed, certificated 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 rotating scissors assembly and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Before further flight, visually inspect the rotating scissors assembly for correct installation in accordance with Part I of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-12, dated July 24, 2000 (ABT). Replace any unairworthy part with an airworthy part before further flight. (b) If a new rotating scissors attachment bolt (attachment bolt), P/N NAS6606D28 or NAS1306-28D, was not installed during compliance with paragraph (a) of this AD, within the next 50 hours time-in-service (TIS), in accordance with Part II of the ABT, visually inspect the attachment bolt, P/N NAS6606D28 or NAS1306-28D, for a crack. Replace any cracked attachment bolt with a new attachment bolt before further flight. (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 2: 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 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements paragraph (b) of this AD can be accomplished. (e) The inspections shall be done in accordance with Parts I and II of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109EP-12, dated July 24, 2000. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Agusta, 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA) Italy, Via Giovanni Agusta 520, telephone 39 (0331) 229111, fax 39 (0331) 229605-222595. 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 Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., suite 700, Washington, DC. (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 10, 2000, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2000-17-52, issued August 23, 2000, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Note 3: The subject of this AD is addressed in Registro Aeronautico Italiano (Italy) AD 2000-371, dated July 24, 2000. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 13, 2000. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-24109 Filed 9-21-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P