AD NUMBER: 2017-23-08

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

ACTION: Final Rule; request for comments

SUMMARY: The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2014-24-02 for the products listed above.

AD 2014-24-02 required repetitively inspecting the main rotor (M/R) rotating scissors, removing certain lower half scissor spherical bearings (bearings) from service, and installing a special nut.

This new AD revises the inspection requirements and requires replacing the bearings. This AD is prompted by a new report of a dislodged bearing of an M/R rotating scissor.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 103 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD. Labor costs are estimated at $85 per work-hour. Inspecting for bearing liner wear, seat movement, and play will take about 1 work-hour for a cost of $85 per helicopter and $8,755 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.

Replacing a bearing will take 2 work-hours and parts will cost $892 for a cost of $1,062 per bearing. Replacing a rotating scissor attachment flange will cost $20,629 for parts and no additional labor. Installing two special nuts on a helicopter will take 1 work-hour and parts will cost $682 for a cost of $767 helicopter and $79,001 for the U.S. fleet.

According to Leonardo Helicopter's service information, some of the costs of this AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost impact on affected individuals. The FAA does not control warranty coverage by Leonardo Helicopter. Accordingly, all costs have been included in the cost estimate.

DATES: This AD becomes effective December 11, 2017. Comments must be received by January 23, 2018.

FMI: AD