Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, and D1; and AS355E, F, F1, F2, N, and NP Helicopters

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This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, and D1 helicopters; and Model AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters with certain tail rotor pitch control rods installed. That AD requires a daily check of the tail rotor (T/R) pitch control rod (control rod) outboard spherical bearing (bearing) for play. If play exists, that AD requires measuring the bearing's radial and axial play. Since that AD was issued, an incident occurred where the pilot of a Model AS350 helicopter felt vibrations in the anti-torque pedal in flight, resulting in a precautionary landing. An investigation determined that the control rod showed extensive wear on the ball- joint. This superseding AD maintains the requirements of the existing AD, and expands the applicability to include the Model AS355NP helicopter and additional part-numbered control rods. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent failure of a control rod, loss of T/R control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.