AD 77-14-01

77-14-01 AGUSTA: Amendment 39-2949. Applies to Model A-109A helicopters equipped with main rotor hub flap hinge bearings P/N SJ7355/IR7355.

Compliance is required as indicated, unless already accomplished.

To prevent possible improper operation of the main rotor flaps due to premature failure of any one of the main rotor hub flap hinge bearings, accomplish the following:

(a) For helicopters with serial numbers up to and including S/N 7120, except S/N 7119 -

(1) Within the next 10 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, replace the main rotor hub flap hinge bearings P/N SJ7355/IR7355 in accordance with Part I of Agusta Technical Bulletin No. 109-3, dated May 4, 1977, or an FAA-approved equivalent; and

(2) Within 100 hours time in service after complying with paragraph (a)(1) of this AD, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service, or any time abnormal oil leaks occur from flap hinges, perform inspections and replace bearings, as necessary, in accordance with Part II of Agusta Technical Bulletin No. 109-3, dated May 4, 1977, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

(b) For helicopters with serial numbers S/N 7119, S/N 7121 and up, within the next 25 hours time in service after the effective date of this AD, except for those which have been inspected within the previous 75 hours, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time in service or any time abnormal oil leaks occur from flap hinges, perform inspections and replace bearings, as necessary, in accordance with Part II of Agusta Technical Bulletin No. 109-3, dated May 4, 1977, or an FAA-approved equivalent.

(c) Equivalent methods of complying with this AD must be approved by the Chief, Aircraft Certification Staff, FAA, Europe, Africa and Middle East Region, c/o American Embassy, APO New York, N.Y. 09667.

This amendment becomes effective July 15, 1977.