Summary
This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model helicopters that proposed a daily inspection of the tail rotor pitch control rod (control rod) outboard spherical bearing (bearing), a radial and axial play limit, a revised AD compliance interval, and adding the ECF Model AS350B3 helicopter and an additional control rod to the applicability. That proposal was prompted by two comments received and the FAA determination that the AD inspection interval should coincide with the normal maintenance interval and that the AD should apply to the ECF Model AS350B3 helicopter. This action retains the original proposals but changes the daily inspection to a daily check and makes other editorial changes for clarification. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent separation of the bearing ball from its outer race, rubbing of the body of the control rod against the tail rotor blade pitch horn clevis,failure of the control rod, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.