# Proposed AD FAA-2022-0987: Airbus Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2023-01-04
- Products: Airbus Helicopters
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: August 2, 2022, 87 FR 47141
- Comments due: September 16, 2022
- Became: [AD 2023-01-04](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2023-01-04)
- Docket: FAA-2022-0987 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2022-0987, where comments are filed)
- Project: MCAI-2021-01416-R
- FR document: 2022-16396
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/14/d0/14d009c179ee0b030032bd0b52c01221421deb1f1a049d01f44ec6bf62477946 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-08-02/pdf/2022-16396.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/08/02/2022-16396/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FR-ADNPRM-2022-16396-00000000000.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2022-0987

## Summary

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by an occurrence reported where during an inspection of a tail rotor head (TRH) pitch change spider, excessive play and excessive wear were detected, due to an unwanted rotating motion. This proposed AD would require, for helicopters with certain part-numbered TRH spider pitch change units installed, inspecting for correct installation of the spider pitch change nut (nut); marking a 2 to 5 mm wide black paint index mark and repetitively inspecting the alignment of the marking; and additional inspections and corrective actions if necessary. This proposed AD would allow an affected part to be installed on a helicopter if certain requirements of this proposed AD are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- Aug 2, 2022: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2022-16396, comments due Sep 16, 2022 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/08/02/2022-16396/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters)

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