AD 2022-13-07 Prompted By Reports Of Rotor Blade Longitudinal Cracking

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all AutoGyro Certification Limited (type certificate previously held by RotorSport UK Ltd) Model Calidus, Cavalon, and MTOsport 2017 gyroplanes.

This AD was prompted by reports of rotor blade longitudinal cracking and rotor blade attachment bolt hole fretting corrosion and cracking. This AD requires reducing the life limits for the rotor systems, repetitively inspecting each rotor blade, and depending on the outcome, removing parts from service. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD becomes effective July 7, 2022.

Supplementary Information: UK CAA, which is the aviation authority for the United Kingdom, has issued UK CAA MPD 2022-002, dated January 24, 2022 (UK CAA MPD 2022-002), to correct an unsafe condition for Autogyro Certification Limited (formerly Rotorsport Uk Limited) Model MT-03, MTOsport, MTOsport 2017, Calidus, and Cavalon gyroplanes. UK CAA advises of rotor blade longitudinal cracking and rotor blade attachment bolt hole fretting corrosion and cracking on gyroplanes with a Rotor System II installed. According to the UK CAA, due to design similarity, this condition may also affect gyroplanes with a Rotor System I installed. This condition, if not addressed, could result in loss of a rotor blade and subsequent loss of control of the gyroplane.  Accordingly, UK CAA MPD 2022-002 requires determining the accumulated flight hours on the rotor system, complying with new life limits for the rotor systems, and repetitively inspecting each rotor blade to hub bar attachment fastenings and blade holes. Depending on the outcome of the inspections, UK CAA MPD 2022-002 requires replacing and returning parts, and reporting certain information to Autogyro Certification Limited and the UK CAA.

FMI: www.regulations.gov, www.rotorsport.org