Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E Helicopters

This document publishes in the Federal Register an amendment adopting Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2000-25-54, which was sent previously to all known U.S. owners and operators of Agusta (Agusta) S.p.A. Model A109E helicopters by individual letters. This AD requires, before each start of the engines, visually checking both sides of each tail rotor blade (blade) for a crack and, at specified intervals, inspecting each blade for a crack using a 5-power or higher magnifying glass. Dye-penetrant inspecting each blade for a crack is also required at specified time intervals. If a crack is found, replacing the blade with an airworthy blade is required before further flight. This amendment is prompted by five reports of cracked tail rotor blades. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.