{"id":"F2006B01822","name":"AD/A109/36 - Damper Assembly of Main Rotor Hub","slug":"ad-a109-36-damper-assembly-of-main-rotor-hub","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":41020,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2006B01822-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-01","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","sectionType":"part","heading":"AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE","content":"# AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVE\n\n![](image.001.png)\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nFor the reasons set out in the background section, the CASA delegate whose signature appears below issues the following Airworthiness Directive (AD) under subregulation 39.1 (1) of CAR 1998. The AD requires that the action set out in the requirement section (being action that the delegate considers necessary to correct the unsafe condition) be taken in relation to the aircraft or aeronautical product mentioned in the applicability section: (a) in the circumstances mentioned in the requirement section; and (b) in accordance with the instructions set out in the requirement section; and (c) at the time mentioned in the compliance section.\n\nAgusta A109 Series Helicopters","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/A109/36 Damper Assembly of Main Rotor","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/A109/36 Damper Assembly of Main Rotor Hub 4/2003","content":"# AD/A109/36 Damper Assembly of Main Rotor Hub 4/2003\n\nApplicability: Agusta 109E helicopters fitted with damper part number 109-0111-06-103 with serial numbers up to 816 inclusive, excluding those with an “L” suffix in the serial number.\n\nRequirement: For dampers with serial numbers up to and including S/N 574:\n\n    Carry out inspection of the dampers in accordance with Agusta Bollettino Tecnico 109EP-2, compliance instructions Part 1.\n    Carry out the modification of the dampers in accordance with Agusta Bollettino Tecnico 109EP-2, compliance instructions Part 2.\n\nFor dampers with serial numbers up to and including S/N 816:\n\n    3. Carry out inspection of the dampers for slippage in accordance with Agusta Bollettino Tecnico 109EP-2, compliance instructions Part 3.\n\nNote: Italian AD 2002-187 refers.\n\nCompliance: 1. Effective 17 April 2003, Prior to the first flight of the day until requirement 2 is carried out.\n\n    2. Within 5 flight hours from the effective date of this Directive.\n\n    3. Prior to the first flight of the day.\n\nThis Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 17 April 2003.\n\nBackground: Loosening of the locking system on the damper assemblies has led to an increase in helicopter vibration. Modification to the dampers followed up with subsequent inspection of the dampers aim to prevent the loosening of the dampers.\n\n![](image.002.png)  \n\nJames Coyne\n\nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority 10 March 2003\n\n![](image.001.png)  \n\nThe above AD is notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 26 March 2003.","sortOrder":1}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The Directive targets a specific unsafe condition (loosening of damper locking systems) on dampers identified by part and serial numbers, and requires inspection/modification to correct that condition (Applicability; Requirement; Background). There is no indication in the text that the Directive expands beyond that original safety objective or the specified serial‑number population."},"complexity_factors":["Narrow, equipment‑specific applicability tied to damper part number and serial number ranges (Applicability).","Multiple, short compliance deadlines including actions required prior to first flight and within 5 flight hours (Compliance).","Work and inspections must follow an external technical bulletin (Agusta Bollettino Tecnico 109EP-2 Parts 1–3), adding procedural/technical reliance on manufacturer documentation (Requirement).","Direct operational impact on operators who must carry out inspections/modifications and may have aircraft grounded or limited until complete (Requirement; Compliance).","Regulatory authority delegated to CASA under CAR 1998 subregulation 39.1(1), creating an enforceable mandatory requirement (preamble).","Safety rationale is narrowly focused on a mechanical failure mode (loosening of locking system) rather than broad airworthiness policy (Background)."],"plain_english_summary":"This Airworthiness Directive requires owners/operators of Agusta A109E helicopters fitted with certain damper assemblies to inspect and, where indicated, modify those dampers to prevent loosening of the locking system that has increased vibration. CASA (via its delegate) sets short compliance deadlines, so operators must schedule inspections/modifications promptly and will bear the maintenance cost and any effect on flight availability."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a targeted safety directive addressing a specific mechanical defect. It has not expanded beyond its original purpose of correcting unsafe damper assemblies on Agusta A109E helicopters."},"complexity_factors":["Single-issue directive with narrow applicability (one helicopter model, one part number, specific serial number ranges)","Only 3 requirements with clear conditional logic based on serial number thresholds","Minimal cross-referencing (one external technical document: Agusta Bollettino Tecnico 109EP-2, and one reference to Italian AD 2002-187)","No defined terms section — all terms are either common aviation terminology or explicitly specified","Straightforward compliance timeline (immediate daily checks, 5 flight hours for modification)","Total length: approximately 300 words"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA safety order addresses a faulty locking system in the main-rotor damper assembly on Agusta A109E helicopters that can loosen, causing dangerous vibration. Owners/operators of A109E aircraft fitted with the affected damper part/serial range must perform immediate daily pre‑flight inspections, carry out a short modification for older serials within a few flight hours, and continue ongoing checks to prevent rotor damage or loss of control."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-a109-36-damper-assembly-of-main-rotor-hub","history":"/api/acts/ad-a109-36-damper-assembly-of-main-rotor-hub/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-a109-36-damper-assembly-of-main-rotor-hub/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-a109-36-damper-assembly-of-main-rotor-hub/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-a109-36-damper-assembly-of-main-rotor-hub/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-a109-36-damper-assembly-of-main-rotor-hub/documents"}}