AD 2009-06-07 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model AB139 and AW139 Helicopters

Models named: AB139, AW139. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters, serial numbers (S/N) 31005 through 31131 (except 31007, 31094, and 31124), S/N 31201 through 31209, and S/N 41001 through 41013 (except 41012), certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI) states: “Operators had reported a number of occurrences of in-flight losses of cockpit door windows, both left and right side. This condition, if not corrected, could result in damage to critical components. As this unsafe condition was likely to occur in other helicopters of the same type design, EASA Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-0142 required a dimensional check and, if necessary, the repair of the cockpit door installation and the replacement of the window seal. After the issuance of AD 2007-0142 cases of cracks on sliding windows leading to loss of part of the window have been reported on cockpit doors to which actions required by this AD were applied. Therefore the AD 2008-0011 superseded AD 2007-0142 taking over its requirements and mandated, as an additional action, a reinforcement of the sliding windows in the area where cracks had developed. Additional cases of in flight breakage of cockpit door windows have been reported in service for cockpit doors to which the AD 2008-0011 was applied. Further investigation showed that cracks had originated in a different area of the windows with respect to the previous cases, suggesting a different route to failure.” Therefore, EASA issued AD 2008-0108, which supersedes AD 2008-0011. We are issuing this AD to require the same actions as the EASA AD to correct the unsafe condition created by the old-designed cockpit door windows.

Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever occurs first, unless already accomplished, do the following: (f) Remove the left-hand and right-hand side cockpit door windows and replace them with airworthy cockpit door windows, part number (P/N) 3P5211A10152A1 (left-hand side window) and P/N 3P5211A48131A1 (right-hand side window). Install an emergency jettison strap, P/N 3G5610A04751, with each cockpit door window, and install an external emergency exit placard, P/N 212-072-636-109, on each cockpit door external side in accordance with steps 1. through 11. of the Compliance Instructions in Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-129, dated June 3, 2008, except you are not required to contact the manufacturer. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI (g) The MCAI requires compliance within 200 flight hours or 6 months and uses the term “flight hours.” This AD uses the term “hours TIS” rather than “flight hours,” and requires compliance within 30 hours TIS or 30 days, whichever occurs first. Also, this AD references specific steps in BT 139-129 to use in complying with the AD. Finally, this AD does not require you to contact Agusta S.p.A. AW139 Customer Support Engineering. Other Information (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, 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, Aerospace Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5122; fax (817) 222-5961. Related Information (i) European Aviation Safety Agency MCAI Airworthiness Directive No. 2008-0108, dated June 5, 2008, contains related information. Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code (j) ATA Code 5610: Flight Compartment Windows. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use the specified portions of Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-129, dated June 3, 2008, to do the actions required. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Agusta, Product Support Italy, Via per Tornavento, 15 21019 Somma Lombardo, Varese Italy, telephone 39 (0331) 711111, fax 39 (0331) 711397, or at http://customersupport.agusta.com/technical_advice.php . (3) You may review copies at 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 February 12, 2009. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-4941 Filed 3-13-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 30 days, whichever occurs first, unless already accomplished, do the following: (f) Remove the left-hand and right-hand side cockpit door windows and replace them with airworthy cockpit door windows, part number (P/N) 3P5211A10152A1 (left-hand side window) and P/N 3P5211A48131A1 (right-hand side window). Install an emergency jettison strap, P/N 3G5610A04751, with each cockpit door window, and install an external emergency exit placard, P/N 212-072-636-109, on each cockpit door external side in accordance with steps 1. through 11. of the Compliance Instructions in Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-129, dated June 3, 2008, except you are not required to contact the manufacturer. Differences Between This AD and the MCAI (g) The MCAI requires compliance within 200 flight hours or 6 months and uses the term “flight hours.” This AD uses the term “hours TIS” rather than “flight hours,” and requires compliance within 30 hours TIS or 30 days, whichever occurs first. Also, this AD references specific steps in BT 139-129 to use in complying with the AD. Finally, this AD does not require you to contact Agusta S.p.A. AW139 Customer Support Engineering. Other Information (h) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs): The Manager, Safety Management Group, 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, Aerospace Engineer, Regulations and Policy Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5122; fax (817) 222-5961. Related Information (i) European Aviation Safety Agency MCAI Airworthiness Directive No. 2008-0108, dated June 5, 2008, contains related information. Air Transport Association of America (ATA) Tracking Code (j) ATA Code 5610: Flight Compartment Windows. Material Incorporated by Reference (k) You must use the specified portions of Bollettino Tecnico No. 139-129, dated June 3, 2008, to do the actions required. (1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of this service information under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact Agusta, Product Support Italy, Via per Tornavento, 15 21019 Somma Lombardo, Varese Italy, telephone 39 (0331) 711111, fax 39 (0331) 711397, or at http://customersupport.agusta.com/technical_advice.php . (3) You may review copies at 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 February 12, 2009. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. E9-4941 Filed 3-13-09; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P