# Proposed AD FAA-2013-0146: Agusta S.p.A. Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2013-16-21
- Products: Agusta
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: February 25, 2013, 78 FR 12651
- Comments due: April 26, 2013
- Became: [AD 2013-16-21](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2013-16-21)
- Docket: FAA-2013-0146 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2013-0146, where comments are filed)
- Project: 2012-SW-060-AD
- FR document: 2013-04220
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/82/f1/82f16cba7e2891aacf5952360113ac58b33fc4084814edd6a77bd76deb12b39c (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2013-02-25/pdf/2013-04220.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/02/25/2013-04220/airworthiness-directives-agusta-spa-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/C95325B62CE5E02286257B1D004F738A.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2013-0146

## Summary

We propose to supersede an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model A109E helicopters that requires 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 would require installing the new bushing and re-identifying the T/R hub-and-grip and hub-and-blade assemblies and require a recurring inspection of each bushing. The proposed actions are intended to prevent fatigue failure of a T/R blade and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.

## Notices in this docket

- Feb 25, 2013: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2013-04220, comments due Apr 26, 2013 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2013/02/25/2013-04220/airworthiness-directives-agusta-spa-helicopters)

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