AD 2011-17-01 Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, and A109K2 Helicopters

Models named: A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109K2. Read the applicability below — it usually turns on serial or part numbers too.

Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, and A109K2 helicopters, certificated in any category.

Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. To prevent a crack in a main rotor scissor fitting assembly fixing bolt (fixing bolt), failure of a fixing bolt, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Within 5 hours time-in-service (TIS), inspect the main rotor scissor fitting assembly, part number (P/N) 109-0110-67 or P/N 109-0101-58, to determine if there are 2 washers, P/N NAS1149C0432R and P/N NAS1149C0463R, installed under the head of each fixing bolt, P/N 109-0101-78-5, as depicted in Figure 1 of Agusta Mandatory Alert Bollettino Tecnico (BT) No. 109K-53 for Model A109K2 helicopters, and Mandatory Alert BT No. 109-131 for Model A109A, A109A II, and A109C helicopters, both dated December 18, 2009. (b) If 2 washers are not installed under the head of each fixing bolt, within 25 hours TIS of complying with paragraph (a) of this AD, replace each fixing bolt and install 2 washers under the head of each fixing bolt as depicted in Figures 1 and 2, and by following the Compliance Instructions, Part II, paragraphs 1. through 3.5., of the BT for your helicopter. (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, ATTN: DOT/FAA Southwest Region, Sharon Miles, Aviation Safety Engineer, Rotorcraft Directorate, ASW-111, 2601 Meacham Blvd., Fort Worth, Texas 76137, telephone (817) 222-5122, fax (817) 222-5961, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. (d) The Joint Aircraft System/Component Code is 6220: Main Rotor Head. (e) The inspection and replacement shall be done in accordance with the specified portions of Agusta Mandatory Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 109K-53 or Agusta Mandatory Alert Bollettino Tecnico No. 109-131, both dated December 18, 2009. The Director of the Federal Register approved this incorporation by reference in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies may be obtained from Agusta Westland, Customer Support & Services, Via Per Tornavento 15, 21019 Somma Lombardo (VA) Italy, ATTN: Giovanni Cecchelli; telephone 39-0331-711133; fax 39 0331 711180; or at http://www.agustawestland.com/technical-bullettins . 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. (f) This amendment becomes effective on September 12, 2011. Note: The subject of this AD is addressed in European Aviation Safety Agency (Italy) AD No. 2009-0274-E, dated December 18, 2009. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, on July 29, 2011. Kim Smith, Manager, Rotorcraft Directorate, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2011-21476 Filed 8-25-11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910-13-P