Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-05-09, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS332C, AS332C1, AS332L, and AS332L1 helicopters. AD 2018-05-09 requires inspecting the tail rotor (T/R) flapping hinge link (hinge) and reporting the results. Since the FAA issued AD 2018-05-09, the FAA has determined that repetitive inspections of the spindle bolts and the inner ring and needle bearings of each flapping hinge and repetitive replacements of affected flapping hinge components must be done in order to address the unsafe condition. Replacement of all affected flapping hinge components on each flapping hinge is terminating action for the repetitive inspections. This proposed AD would require repetitive inspections of the spindle bolts and the inner ring and needle bearings of each flapping hinge, corrective actions if necessary, and repetitive replacements of affected flapping hinge components, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which will be incorporated by reference. This proposed AD would also expand the applicability. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.