Summary
The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2022-01-01, which applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, AS355NP, AS 365 N2, AS 365 N3, EC130B4, EC130T2, SA 365 C1, SA 365 C2, SA 365 N, and SA 365 N1 helicopters. AD 2022-01-01 requires the application of alignment markings on, and repetitive inspections of, the main rotor (MR) pitch rod upper links and, depending on findings, the accomplishment of applicable corrective actions. Since the FAA issued AD 2022-01-01, the manufacturer designed a new pitch rod lever axis attachment screw and issued applicable modification material as an alternative option. This proposed AD would retain all the actions of AD 2022-01-01 and would allow the modification as a terminating action to the repetitive inspections and corrective actions. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing a certain affected pitch rod lever axis attachment screws unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.