Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2007-26-51, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model EC135 helicopters. AD 2007-26-51 requires an inspection of the tail rotor control rod (control rod) and ball pivot and, depending on findings, replacing these parts. Since the FAA issued AD 2007-26-51, the manufacturer developed a new control rod, which the FAA has determined must be installed in order to address the identified unsafe condition. This proposed AD would require an inspection of certain ball pivots, application of corrosion preventative compound on the ball pivot, and corrective action, as applicable. This proposed AD would also require replacement of the control rod with the newly developed control rod. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.