Summary
This document proposes the adoption of a new airworthiness directive (AD) that is applicable to Eurocopter France (Eurocopter) Model AS 332C, L, and L1 helicopters. This proposal would require initial and repetitive inspections of the tail rotor shaft flapping hinge retainers (retainers) for cracks. This proposal is prompted by a report of high vibrations occurring on a helicopter while in service due to a cracked retainer. The actions specified by the proposed AD are intended to detect cracks on the retainers that could lead to high tail rotor vibrations, loss of tail rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.