AD 2002-21-12 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, 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 within 100 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished previously. To prevent failure of specified parts of the main transmission assembly and supports, the tail rotor assemblies, the main rotor control bolt, or the fuselage left-hand elevator, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Replace each part listed in Table 1 with an airworthy part on or before reaching the specified hours TIS as shown in Table 1 of this AD as follows: Table 1 Part Name Part Number Hours TIS (1) Main transmission gear pinion 109-0403-05-111 6,100 (2) Main transmission gear driver 109-0403-04-3 8,300 (3) Main transmission shaft assembly 109-0405-76-107 25,000 (4) Tail rotor retention strap assembly 109-8131-07-1 1,800 (5) Tail rotor hub assembly 109-0131-06-7 3,000 (6) Tail rotor 90-degree gearbox pinion gear 109-0433-01-107 6,100 (7) Tail rotor 90-degree gearbox crown gear 109-0443-01-103 11,700 (8) Main rotor control bolt 109-0110-90-103 5,000 (9) Fuselage left-hand elevator 109-0200-02-93 4,400 (10) Main transmission support aft rod 109-0325-03-113 35,000 (11) Main transmission support lower fitting 109-0325-08-1 30,000 (b) This AD revises the airworthiness limitations section of the maintenance manual by establishing or reducing the life limit as specified in Table 1 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 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 will not be issued. (e) This amendment becomes effective on November 26, 2002. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on October 10, 2002. Larry M. Kelly, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 02-26665 Filed 10-21-02; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P