Summary
This document proposes the supersedure of an existing airworthiness directive (AD) that applies to Eurocopter France (ECF) Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, D, and AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters. That AD currently requires inspecting certain versions of the tail rotor pitch change spider assembly (spider assembly) for the proper rotational torque, axial play, and any brinelling of the bearing. This action would require identifying the spider assembly with index marks to detect bearing spacer rotation, visually checking to ensure that the index marks are aligned before the first flight of each day, and subsequently modifying the bearing spider assembly. This action would also add the ECF Model AS350D1 helicopters to the applicability. This proposal is prompted by operator reports that the spider assembly bearing spacers are rotating. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect rotation of the spider assembly bearing spacers, prevent seizure of the bearing,loss of tail rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.