AD 2011-10-11 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model AB412 Helicopters

Models named: AB412. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

This AD applies to Model AB412 helicopters, with rescue hoist assembly, part number (P/N) BL-10300-60 or P/N 412-8800-01-315 with a rescue hook assembly, P/N S6150-61090-1 or P/N 412-8800-05-101, installed, certificated in any category. Reason (d) The mandatory continued airworthiness information (MCAI) states that a missing lock pin may cause the loss of the hoist hook and any load. The absence of the lock pin constitutes an unsafe condition and this AD is intended to detect the absence of this lock pin to prevent the loss of a rescue hoist hook and its load.

Before further flight, unless accomplished previously, inspect the rescue hoist hook assembly (hook assembly) for the presence of an attached identification plate marked “BT 412-124.” (1) If this identification plate is installed on the hook assembly, no further action is required. (2) If this identification plate is not installed on the hook assembly: (i) Review the hook assembly maintenance records to determine if the hook assembly was manufactured after April 1, 2008. If so, no further action is required. (ii) If the hook assembly date of manufacture is March 31, 2008, or earlier or if the date of manufacture cannot be determined, replace the hook assembly with an airworthy hook assembly that was either manufactured after April 2, 2008, or has an identification plate installed that is marked “BT 412-124.” Differences Between This AD and the MCAI (f) This AD differs from the MCAI as follows: (1) We do not require inspecting spare part hook assemblies. (2) We do not require a March 31, 2008 compliance time because that date has passed. (3) We do not require returning a hook assembly in which there is no lock pin installed to the manufacturer. Other Information (g) 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: George Schwab, Aerospace Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5114; fax (817) 222-5961. Related Information (h) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Ente Nazionale Per L'Aviazone Civile (ENAC) Airworthiness Directive No. 2008-62, dated February 19, 2008, and Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 412-124, dated February 19, 2008, contain related information. (i) The Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code is 2550, External Load Handling Equipment. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 28, 2011. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-11797 Filed 5-13-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Before further flight, unless accomplished previously, inspect the rescue hoist hook assembly (hook assembly) for the presence of an attached identification plate marked “BT 412-124.” (1) If this identification plate is installed on the hook assembly, no further action is required. (2) If this identification plate is not installed on the hook assembly: (i) Review the hook assembly maintenance records to determine if the hook assembly was manufactured after April 1, 2008. If so, no further action is required. (ii) If the hook assembly date of manufacture is March 31, 2008, or earlier or if the date of manufacture cannot be determined, replace the hook assembly with an airworthy hook assembly that was either manufactured after April 2, 2008, or has an identification plate installed that is marked “BT 412-124.” Differences Between This AD and the MCAI (f) This AD differs from the MCAI as follows: (1) We do not require inspecting spare part hook assemblies. (2) We do not require a March 31, 2008 compliance time because that date has passed. (3) We do not require returning a hook assembly in which there is no lock pin installed to the manufacturer. Other Information (g) 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: George Schwab, Aerospace Engineer, Safety Management Group, FAA, Rotorcraft Directorate, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, TX 76137; telephone (817) 222-5114; fax (817) 222-5961. Related Information (h) Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) Ente Nazionale Per L'Aviazone Civile (ENAC) Airworthiness Directive No. 2008-62, dated February 19, 2008, and Agusta Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 412-124, dated February 19, 2008, contain related information. (i) The Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association (ATA) of America Code is 2550, External Load Handling Equipment. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on April 28, 2011. Scott A. Horn, Acting Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-11797 Filed 5-13-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P