AD 2000-20-06 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109K2 and A109E Helicopters

Models named: A109E with S/N up to, including 11069, excluding A109E. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A109K2 with serial number (S/N) up to and including 10036 and Model A109E with S/N up to and including 11069, excluding A109E helicopters with serial number 11049, 11055, 11056, or 11067, 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 (d) 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 a crack in a main transmission aft support fitting (aft support fitting) that could result in excessive displacement of the main gearbox, failure of an engine to main gearbox drive shaft, loss of power to the main rotor, and a subsequent forced landing, accomplish the following: (a) Remove each main transmission aft support fitting, part number (P/N) 109-0325-08-01 and replace it with an airworthy support fitting, P/N 109-0325-08-109, as follows: (1) For an aft support fitting, P/N 109-0325-08-01, with less than 140 hours time-in-service (TIS), replace it at or before 150 hours TIS. (2) For an aft support fitting, P/N 109-0325-08-01, with 140 or more hours TIS, replace it within 10 hours TIS. Note 2: Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico (Technical Bulletin) No. 109K-25 and No. 109EP-7, both dated March 3, 2000, pertain to the subject of this AD. (b) This AD revises the Airworthiness Limitations Section of the applicable maintenance manual by establishing a life limit of 150 hours TIS for the aft support fitting, P/N 109-0325-08-01. (c) Replacing all aft support fittings, P/N 109-0325-08-01, with support fittings, P/N 109-0325-08-109, constitutes terminating action for the requirements of this AD. (d) 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. (e) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on October 17, 2000. Note 4: The subject of this AD is addressed in Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile (Italy) AD No. 2000-128, dated March 6, 2000. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on September 25, 2000. Eric Bries, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 00-25151 Filed 9-29-00; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P