Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS332C, AS332L, AS332L1, SA330F, SA330G, and SA330J Helicopters

Résumé

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model helicopters that requires inspecting the tail rotor pitch change rod (change rod) bearing (bearing) and, after inspecting the control rod, replacing the bearing if it does not meet the specified tolerance. This AD requires inspecting the bearing for spalling, friction, and grinding and inspecting the control rod and bearing housing for wear marks and scoring. This amendment is prompted by the seizure of a bearing on an ECF Model SA330 helicopter. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent bearing wear, seizure of the bearing, loss of tail rotor effectiveness, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.