airworthiness · Rule · Final rule. · Published 2016-09-15 · Effective 2016-10-20 · 81 FR 63374
Document
Document number
2016-21707
Federal Register citation
81 FR 63374
Type
Rule
Action
Final rule.
Category
airworthiness
Manufacturer
Agusta S.p.A.
Publication date
2016-09-15
Effective date
2016-10-20
FAA docket
Docket No. FAA-2015-3781
Abstract
We are adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109A, A109A II, A109C, A109E, A109K2, A109S, and AW109SP helicopters. This AD requires visually inspecting the tail rotor drive shaft assembly (drive shaft) for a crack. This AD was prompted by the discovery of three cracks on the drive shaft of a Model A109S helicopter. The actions of this AD are intended to detect a crack on the drive shaft to prevent failure of the driveshaft, failure of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of helicopter control.