Airworthiness Directives; Agusta S.p.A. (Type Certificate Currently Held by Agusta Westland S.p.A) (Agusta) Helicopters
airworthiness · Rule · Final rule. · Published 2013-09-25 · Effective 2013-10-30 · 78 FR 58868
Document
Document number
2013-23017
Federal Register citation
78 FR 58868
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule.
Category
airworthiness
Manufacturer
Agusta S.p.A. (Type Certificate Currently Held by Agusta Westland S.p.A) (Agusta)
Publication date
2013-09-25
Effective date
2013-10-30
FAA docket
Docket No. FAA-2013-0146
Abstract
We are superseding an airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta Model A109E helicopters that required reducing the tail rotor (T/R) blade life limit, modifying a T/R hub and grip assembly, re-identifying two T/R assemblies, clarifying the never-exceed speed (Vne) limitation, and reducing the inspection interval. Since we issued that AD, the manufacturer has redesigned a T/R grip bushing (bushing) that reduces the loads, which caused the T/R cracking, on the T/R blades. This action requires installing the new bushing and re-identifying the T/R hub-and-grip and hub-and-blade assemblies and requires a recurring inspection of each bushing. These actions are intended to prevent fatigue failure of a T/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.