Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model SA 330F, G, and J helicopters. This proposal would require initial and repetitive inspections of each tail rotor shaft flapping hinge retainer (retainer) for cracks and replacement of a retainer if a crack is discovered. This proposal is prompted by a report of high vibrations occurring on a helicopter while it was in service due to a cracked retainer. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect cracks in the retainers that, if left undetected, could lead to high tail rotor vibrations, loss of tail rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.