Agusta A109
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 1
From: ...in view of the 'Southern Cross' ...
Very interesting ...I now also have a copy of the AD in front of me.... what I find interesting is that the same P/N T/R is also fitted to the A109 and it also is subject to a crack test AD for that a/c BUT would seem not to be subect to the effective grounding and the forwarding of blades to Agusta for inspection ??? curiouser and curiouser !!! 
Joined: Aug 1999
Aviation Qualifications: ATP+Mil
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 83
From: Gold Coast, Australia
It would seem that Agusta may have been aware of the problem at least a year ago. Company (Agusta) pilot spoke about the possibility of replacing the T/R blades to a friend of mine, when he was at the factory for endorsement training.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Are the TR blades bonded metal on the Agusta's ( I assume so as last AD called for LPI) . I thought most manufacturers had moved to composite blades specifically as they have a much slower crack propagation rate and a soft failure mode. Are the main rotor blades still metal as well ?.
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 584
Likes: 1
From: 1000ft above you, giving you the bird!
A109E Powers
Hi,
If anyone hear's of any cheap 109E Powers for sale, would they be kind enough to mail, s/n less than 40 circa $ 3 mill USD.
Will travel worldwide, many thanks.
Nick
<img src="tongue.gif" border="0">
If anyone hear's of any cheap 109E Powers for sale, would they be kind enough to mail, s/n less than 40 circa $ 3 mill USD.
Will travel worldwide, many thanks.
Nick
<img src="tongue.gif" border="0">
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 438
Likes: 2
From: Derby
Which begs the question: what was wrong with them before s/n 40? <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
(edited 'cos I forgot the smiley <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> )
[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: Robbo Jock ]</p>
(edited 'cos I forgot the smiley <img src="wink.gif" border="0"> )
[ 09 January 2002: Message edited by: Robbo Jock ]</p>
Senis Semper Fidelis
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 1,288
Likes: 0
From: Lancashire U K
Twistgrip,
A pal of mine is just about to start using the A109 every day, I will see how far he is along with this and if he is happy I will E you his tel/num, he is highly experienced, and I am certain that he would help you.
A pal of mine is just about to start using the A109 every day, I will see how far he is along with this and if he is happy I will E you his tel/num, he is highly experienced, and I am certain that he would help you.
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Spain
The base where I work we share with one of those grats machines. They do EMS with 5 POB plus the patient. They are doing quite well, plenty of power even thoug the place is quite hot in Summer, the only problem seems to be too much power for the structure, they just had to change the tail boom for cracks after 700 hours.. .I think is great, they mount P&W engines.Good luck and go for it.
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 506
Likes: 1
From: Europe
Structur load seems to be a problem on the Power. There are some other examples for cracks on A 109 Power tail boom. Sometimes below 100 hours. Needs a lot of bulbs for pos lights. May be a vibration problem. But very powerfull, fast and exciting a/c.
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: UK
Went to Helitech in 98 and flew the power there with a 3/4 fuel load 5 pob and came to a hover at 1000' agl (only just outside ground effect) pulled back an engine and it didn't move, a slight Nr decrease which recovered v.swiftly, there was a comfortable amount of spare power to fly away without any trouble.
No info on High DA ops - sorry
Sloane Helicopters have a few pilots who have some experience on this beastie!
eden (energy driven eccentric nirvana)
No info on High DA ops - sorry
Sloane Helicopters have a few pilots who have some experience on this beastie!
eden (energy driven eccentric nirvana)
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 187
Likes: 0
From: Blackpool, UK
First post - and something I almost know something about!!. .. .My old instructore is an IR rated ATPL and flies the A109 Power.. .. .From what I remember him saying, its not the power but the MAUW that's a limiting factor. . .. .With 3 POB and full fuel, your about at Max weight. Any more PAX than that, and you have to start emptying fuel. With 7 POB, you can only take on enough fuel to last about an hour and a bit before you start illuminating those pretty little yellow warning captions. . .. .I have heard of at least one company who have since got shut of their Power and bought a Bell 430 instead - just so they don't have to worry about fuel take on with 7 pob.. .. .Sloane's are definately the ones to talk to get the facts though.... .. .Lurvely machine though eh?
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Australia
A private business operator in Melbourne Australia currently utilizes A109 power day to day. I believe it is the highest time A109 operating in the world! I have seen the logo Linfox on the aircraft it you can track it down I’m sure they will be a wealth of help.