Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E Helicopters
airworthiness · Rule · Final rule; request for comments. · Published 2003-12-31 · Effective 2004-01-15 · 68 FR 75394
Document
Document number
03-31849
Federal Register citation
68 FR 75394
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule; request for comments.
Category
airworthiness
Manufacturer
Agusta S.p.A. Model A109E
Publication date
2003-12-31
Effective date
2004-01-15
FAA docket
Docket No. 2003-SW-36-AD
Abstract
This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E helicopters. This action requires certain inspections of the rod-end of the main rotor head damper for freedom of movement, and depending on the torque required to move the rod-end, either further inspection for a crack or replacing the rod- end. This amendment is prompted by reports of rod-end fractures due to fatigue failure resulting in increased helicopter vibrations. This condition, if not corrected, could result in failure of the rod-end, extreme vibrations, and a subsequent forced landing or loss of control of the helicopter.