Summary
This document proposes superseding an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model helicopters. The existing AD requires inspecting the main rotor swashplate bearing (bearing) for play or binding, proper assembly and lubrication, and measuring the swashplate rotational torque. In addition, that AD requires plugging the nonrotating swashplate vent holes and barrel nut orifices. This amendment would eliminate most of those AD actions because they are now incorporated into the Airworthiness Limitations section of the maintenance manual but would retain the requirements for the initial and repetitive inspections and lubrication of the main rotor swashplate and clarify that repetitive maintenance of the main rotor swashplate and bearing is required at intervals not to exceed 100 hours time-in-service (TIS). This proposal is prompted by the need to clarify the AD wording to avoid any misinterpretation of the required interval for inspecting and lubricating the main rotor swashplate and bearing. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to prevent failure of the bearing and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.