Summary
We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France Model EC 120B helicopters. This proposed AD would require modifying the pilot cyclic control friction device by replacing a certain thrust washer with two thrust washers. This proposed AD is prompted by an incident in which the pilot encountered a sudden restriction of the cyclic control movement during flight. The actions specified by this proposed AD are intended to prevent jamming of a pilot cyclic control stick and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.