Summary
This document revises an earlier proposed airworthiness directive (AD) for Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS 365 N3 and EC 155B helicopters that would have revised the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manuals by establishing a new service life limit for the Fenestron pitch change control rod (control rod). That proposal was prompted by a failure of a control rod on a prototype helicopter that led to a precautionary landing. This action revises the proposed rule by requiring replacement of the control rod with an improved reinforced steel airworthy control rod. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the control rod, loss of control of the tail rotor, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.