AD 80-22-09 ACTIVE

80-22-09 COSTRUZIONI AERONAUTICHE GIOVANNI AGUSTA: Amendment 39- 3957. Applies to Model A109A series helicopters, certificated in all categories, except for the following serial numbered helicopters:

7107
7119
7142
7150
7109
7128
7143
7152
7110
7132
7144
7158
7113
7138
7145
7160
7114
7140
7148
7166 and subsequent.
7117

Compliance required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent failure of the engine mount structure, accomplish the following:

(a) Within the next 25 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 25 hours time in service since the last inspection, visually inspect the forward mounting tab of the aluminum engine outer lateral fitting, P/N 109-0320-97- 4, for cracks in accordance with "ACCOMPLISHMENT INSTRUCTIONS" of Costruzioni Aeronautiche Giovanni Agusta Service Bulletin No. 109-18, dated April 27, 1979 (hereinafter referren to as the Service Bulletin), or an FAA-approved equivalent.

(b) If, as a result of the inspections required in paragraph (a) of this AD, no cracking is found, return the helicopter to service and continue to inspect in accordance with paragraph (a) or comply with paragraph (d) of this AD.

(c) If, as a result of any inspection required in paragraph (a) of this AD, cracking is found, before further flight, except as provided in paragraph (e) of this AD, - -

(1) Replace the cracked fitting with a serviceable fitting of the same part number and continue to inspect in accordance with paragraph (a) of this AD; or

(2) Replace the cracked fitting with a new steel fitting, P/N 109-0320-97-6, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

(d) Compliance with the repetitive inspections required by paragraphs (a), (b) and (c)(1) of this AD may be discontinued when a steel fitting, P/N 109-0320-97-6, or an FAA approved equivalent, is installed.

(e) In accordance with FAR Sections 21.197 and 21.199, the helicopter may be flown to a base where the maintenance required by this AD may be accomplished. Ferrying of the helicopter with a failed fitting or an engine inoperative is not permitted.

(f) If an equivalent means of compliance is used in complying with paragraphs (a), (c)(2) and (d) of this AD, that equivalent means must be approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, AEU-100, Europe, Africa and Middle East Office, FAA, c/o American Embassy, Brussels, Belguim.

(g) Upon request of an operator, the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, Europe, Africa and Middle East Office, may approve an equivalent modification or replacement fitting provided the request is made through an FAA Maintenance Inspector and the request contains substantiating data to justify the request for that operator.

This amendment becomes effective November 6, 1980.