AD 2005-09-06 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A119 Helicopters

Models named: A119. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A119 helicopters, serial numbers 14001 through 14037, except serial number 14036, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To detect a fracture, a crack, or looseness of a main transmission support fitting (fitting) attachment bolt (bolt) and prevent fatigue failure of a fitting bolt and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), and then at intervals not to exceed 10 hours TIS until a torque inspection of each fitting bolt is accomplished in accordance with paragraph (b) of this AD, inspect each fitting bolt, part number NAS625-14 and NAS625-18, for a fracture, a crack, or looseness, using a light and a mirror. (1) On each of the 4 fittings, if a fracture or a crack is found in any bolt, replace all 4 bolts in the fitting with airworthy fitting bolts before further flight. (2) If looseness is found in any bolt in any fitting, inspect each of the 4 bolts on each of the 4 fittings (16 bolts total) to determine if the torque is between 11.3-15.8 Nm (100-140 inch-pounds). If the indicated torque is not within the acceptable range on any bolt in a fitting, before further flight, remove all 4 bolts in the fitting and replace them with airworthy fitting bolts in accordance with Part II, steps 4.1 through 5., of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 119-8, dated April 7, 2004 (BT). (b) Within 25 hours TIS, inspect each bolt in each fitting to determine if the torque is between 11.3-15.8 Nm (100-140 inch-pounds). If the indicated torque is not within the acceptable range on any bolt, before further flight, remove all 4 bolts in the fitting and replace them with airworthy fitting bolts in accordance with Part II, steps 4.1 through 5., of the BT. (c) Accomplishing the inspections specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) constitute terminating actions for the requirements of this AD. (d) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (e) 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 of this AD can be accomplished, provided that no fracture, crack, or looseness was found during the inspections required by this AD. (f) The inspections and replacements shall be done in accordance with Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 119-8, dated April 7, 2004. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference 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 National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/federal_register/code_of_federal_regulations/ibr_locations.html. (g) This amendment becomes effective on June 13, 2005. Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile (Italy) AD No. 2004-108, dated April 8, 2004. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 27, 2005. Carl Mittag, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 05-8953 Filed 5-6-05; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-U