AD 2007-26-52 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 Helicopters

Models named: A109C, A109E, A109K2. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A109C, A109E, and A109K2 helicopters, with a main rotor blade (MRB), Part Number (P/N) 709-0103-01-all dash numbers, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated. (a) For a MRB with a serial number that has a prefix of either “EM-” or “A5-”, except a MRB with a tip cap, P/N 709-0103-29-109, installed, within 10 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours TIS: (1) Tap inspect the upper and lower sides of each tip cap for bonding separation between the metal shells and the honeycomb core using a steel tap hammer, P/N 109-3101-58-1, or a coin (quarter) in the area indicated as honeycomb core on Figure 1 of Alert Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 109-106, No. 109K-22, or No. 109EP-1, all Revision B, and all dated December 19, 2000, as applicable to your model helicopter. Also, tap inspect for bonding separation in the tip cap to blade bond area (no bonding voids are permitted in this area). (2) Visually inspect the upper and lower sides of each blade tip cap for swelling or deformation. (3) Dye-penetrant inspect the tip cap leading edge along the welded joint line of the upper and lower tip cap skin shells for a crack in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, steps 3. through 3.2.6., of the applicable BT. (4) If any swelling, deformation, crack, or bonding separation that exceeds the prescribed limits in the applicable maintenance manual is found, replace the blade with an airworthy blade before further flight. (b) For a MRB with a tip cap, P/N 709-0103-29-109, installed, perform the following in accordance with Table 1: Table 1 For each tip cap: Comply: With 600 or more hours TIS Within the next 5 hours TIS or 30 days, whichever occurs first, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. With less than 600 hours TIS Before reaching 600 hours TIS, and thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. (1) Using a 10x or higher power magnifying glass, visually inspect the tip cap leading edge welded bead (joint line between the two metallic shells) for a crack in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, steps 1. through 2. of BT No. 109-125, No. 109EP-85, or No. 109K-48, all dated December 13, 2007, as applicable to your model helicopter. (2) If there is damage other than a crack, inspect the tip cap leading edge along the welded joint line of the shells for a crack using a dye penetrant method in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, steps 3. through 3.7. of BT No. 109-125, No. 109EP-85, or No. 109K-48, all dated December 13, 2007, as applicable to your model helicopter. (3) If a crack is present, remove the blade and replace it with an airworthy blade before further flight. (c) 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 Manager, Safety Management Group, FAA, ATTN: Sharon Miles, Rotorcraft Directorate, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (d) The inspections shall be done in accordance with the specified portions of the service information described in paragraphs (d)(1) and (d)(2) of this AD. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-125, No. 109EP-85, and No. 109K-48, all dated December 13, 2007, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) The Director of the Federal Register previously approved the incorporation by reference of Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-106, No. 109K-22, and No. 109EP-1, all Revision B and all dated December 19, 2000, on January 7, 2002 (66 FR 60144, December 3, 2001). (3) 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. (4) 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 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. Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD No. 2007-0306-E, dated December 14, 2007. (e) This amendment becomes effective on May 27, 2008, to all persons except those persons to whom it was made immediately effective by Emergency AD 2007-26-52, issued December 20, 2007, which contained the requirements of this amendment. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on May 1, 2008. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-10054 Filed 5-8-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P