AD 2008-09-03 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, and A109C Helicopters

Models named: A109A, A109A II, A109C. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Model A109A, A109A II, and A109C helicopters, with grooved clamps, part number 4606AC, that attach the engine exhaust ducts, installed, certificated in any category. Reason (c) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) states: It has been reported, on an A109A helicopter, a case of failure of the grooved clamp fixing the engine exhaust duct, with the consequent loss of the duct. The duct has hit the main and tail rotor producing the loss of the tail rotor and the emergency landing of the helicopter. The fracture of the grooved clamp was due to excessive loads and corrosion around the attaching rivets.

Required as indicated, unless already done, do the following: (1) Within the next 20 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove, clean, and using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspect the four grooved clamps that attach the engine exhaust ducts as shown in Figure 1 and by following Steps 3 through 4.2. of the Compliance Instructions of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-123, dated November 16, 2006. (2) If you find a crack or corrosion, before further flight, replace the unairworthy grooved clamp with an airworthy grooved clamp. Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI (e) This AD differs from the MCAI as follows: (1) We refer to flight hours as hours TIS. (2) We are requiring the initial inspection to be done within the next 20 hours TIS instead of using the date and operating time specified in the MCAI. (3) We are not requiring a recurring inspection of the grooved clamps, but we intend to propose to mandate the 300 hour time-in-service or yearly recurring inspection of the grooved clamps through our non-emergency rulemaking procedures. (f) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 7800: Engine Exhaust. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5204, fax (817) 222-5961. (2) Airworthy Product: Use only FAA-approved corrective actions. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent) if the State of Design has an appropriate bilateral agreement with the United States. You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Related Information (h) EASA Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) AD No. 2007-0041, dated February 21, 2007, contains related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-123, dated November 16, 2006, under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (1) For service information identified in this AD, contact Agusta, 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA) Italy, Via Giovanni Agusta 520, telephone 39 (0331) 229111, fax 39 (0331) 229605-222595. (2) You may review copies of the service information 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 4, 2008. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-8640 Filed 4-25-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Required as indicated, unless already done, do the following: (1) Within the next 20 hours time-in-service (TIS), remove, clean, and using a 10X or higher magnifying glass, inspect the four grooved clamps that attach the engine exhaust ducts as shown in Figure 1 and by following Steps 3 through 4.2. of the Compliance Instructions of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-123, dated November 16, 2006. (2) If you find a crack or corrosion, before further flight, replace the unairworthy grooved clamp with an airworthy grooved clamp. Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI (e) This AD differs from the MCAI as follows: (1) We refer to flight hours as hours TIS. (2) We are requiring the initial inspection to be done within the next 20 hours TIS instead of using the date and operating time specified in the MCAI. (3) We are not requiring a recurring inspection of the grooved clamps, but we intend to propose to mandate the 300 hour time-in-service or yearly recurring inspection of the grooved clamps through our non-emergency rulemaking procedures. (f) Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Code 7800: Engine Exhaust. Other FAA AD Provisions (g) The following provisions also apply to this AD: (1) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. Send information to ATTN: Eric Haight, Aviation Safety Engineer, Regulations and Guidance Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5204, fax (817) 222-5961. (2) Airworthy Product: Use only FAA-approved corrective actions. Corrective actions are considered FAA-approved if they are approved by the State of Design Authority (or their delegated agent) if the State of Design has an appropriate bilateral agreement with the United States. You are required to assure the product is airworthy before it is returned to service. (3) Reporting Requirements: For any reporting requirement in this AD, under the provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the information collection requirements and has assigned OMB Control Number 2120-0056. Related Information (h) EASA Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) AD No. 2007-0041, dated February 21, 2007, contains related information. Material Incorporated by Reference (i) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of Agusta Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-123, dated November 16, 2006, under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (1) For service information identified in this AD, contact Agusta, 21017 Cascina Costa di Samarate (VA) Italy, Via Giovanni Agusta 520, telephone 39 (0331) 229111, fax 39 (0331) 229605-222595. (2) You may review copies of the service information 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/cfr/ibr-locations.html. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 4, 2008. Mark R. Schilling, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E8-8640 Filed 4-25-08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P