AD 2008-12-11 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E, A109S, and A119 Helicopters

Models named: A109E, A109S, A119. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Model A109E, A109S, and A119 helicopters, certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) states: During a ground test of the emergency door release system, the Pilot doors failed to disengage. Investigation determined that the reason of this malfunction is interference between the lower hinge and the fuselage structure. This condition, if not corrected, creates the risk of non-disengagement of the Pilot- and/or Co-pilot doors during an emergency, inhibiting the evacuation of the aircraft, possibly resulting in injuries to the occupants.

Within the next 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Inspect the Pilot & Co-pilot Doors emergency release system in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part I, steps 2 through 5, of Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 109EP-83, dated November 29, 2007, (BT 109E) for Model A109E helicopters; BT No. 109S-18, dated November 29, 2007, (BT 109S) for Model A109S helicopters; or BT No. 119-25, dated November 29, 2007, (BT119) for Model A119 helicopters, as appropriate for your model helicopter. (i) If any interference is found between the lower hinge and the housing on the helicopter structure, before further flight, rework the housing slot of the lower hinge in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part II, of either BT 109E, BT 109S, or BT 119, as appropriate for your model helicopter. (ii) If no interference is found between the lower hinge and the housing on the helicopter structure, rework the housing slot of the lower hinge within the next 100 hours TIS in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part II, steps 2 through 11, of either BT 109E, BT 109S, or BT 119, as appropriate for your model helicopter. Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI (f) The compliance times in this AD are stated in terms of hours TIS rather than calendar dates, as stated in the MCAI. Also, this AD is not applicable to the Model A109LUH helicopters because they are not type certificated in the United States. 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: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, 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) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive No. 2007-0295R1-E, dated December 4, 2007, contains related information.

Within the next 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), unless already done, do the following actions. (1) Inspect the Pilot & Co-pilot Doors emergency release system in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part I, steps 2 through 5, of Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 109EP-83, dated November 29, 2007, (BT 109E) for Model A109E helicopters; BT No. 109S-18, dated November 29, 2007, (BT 109S) for Model A109S helicopters; or BT No. 119-25, dated November 29, 2007, (BT119) for Model A119 helicopters, as appropriate for your model helicopter. (i) If any interference is found between the lower hinge and the housing on the helicopter structure, before further flight, rework the housing slot of the lower hinge in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part II, of either BT 109E, BT 109S, or BT 119, as appropriate for your model helicopter. (ii) If no interference is found between the lower hinge and the housing on the helicopter structure, rework the housing slot of the lower hinge within the next 100 hours TIS in accordance with the Compliance Instructions, Part II, steps 2 through 11, of either BT 109E, BT 109S, or BT 119, as appropriate for your model helicopter. Differences Between the FAA AD and the MCAI (f) The compliance times in this AD are stated in terms of hours TIS rather than calendar dates, as stated in the MCAI. Also, this AD is not applicable to the Model A109LUH helicopters because they are not type certificated in the United States. 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: Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, Regulations and Policy Group, Fort Worth, Texas 76193-0111, telephone (817) 222-5122, 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) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Airworthiness Directive No. 2007-0295R1-E, dated December 4, 2007, contains related information.