AD NUMBER: 2018-03-01

PRODUCT: Agusta S.p.A. (Agusta) Model AB139 and AW139 helicopters.

ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.

SUMMARY: This AD requires inspecting the main rotor blade (MRB) tip cap for disbonding.

This AD is prompted by a report of the in-flight loss of an MRB tip cap.

DATES: This AD becomes effective February 14, 2018. Comments on this AD must be received by April 2, 2018.

COST: The FAA estimates  that this AD affects four helicopters of U.S. Registry. At an average labor rate of $85 per work-hour, operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:

• Tap inspecting the MRB tip caps will require 1 work-hour, for a cost per helicopter of $85. Replacing one MRB will require 4 work-hours, and $141,725 for required parts. Thus, the FAA estimates a total cost of $568,345 per helicopter and $2,273,380 for the U.S. fleet to comply with this AD.
• According to Leonardo Helicopters' service information, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals.

FMI: AD