Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2018-15-02, which applies to certain Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350BA, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. AD 2018-15-02 requires repetitively inspecting the tail rotor (TR) pitch rod for a damaged elastomeric ball joint, and corrective action if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2018-15-02, the FAA determined that the manufacturer had developed improved inspection procedures and identified conditions that would allow the repetitive inspection intervals specified in AD 2018-15-02 to be extended to correspond with the intervals for the inspection of the TR pitch rod specified in the airworthiness limitation section of the applicable helicopter maintenance manual. This proposed AD would retain the requirements of AD 2018-15-02 and allow the repetitive inspection interval to be extended under certain conditions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is proposed for incorporation by reference. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.