Federal Register #20260915

FAA Airworthiness Directive: Inspection and Marking of Airbus Helicopters Tail Rotor Head Pitch Change Units

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters AS350 and AS355 series models: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Airworthiness Products Section, Operational Safety Branch - Primary OEM: - Airbus Helicopters - Products/Services Requested: - Inspection and marking of tail rotor head (TRH) pitch change unit nuts - Part numbers: 350A33203000, 350A33216700, 350A33216701 - Applies to all AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters - Visual inspection for correct installation, corrosion, wear, and damage - Marking a 2 to 5 mm wide black paint index mark for alignment - Prohibition on installing affected TRH pitch change units unless inspections and markings are completed - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Inspections must be performed within 50 hours time-in-service after the directive's effective date, with a follow-up inspection within 10 hours after initial marking - Ongoing compliance with updated Airworthiness Limitations Section - Removes requirement for repetitive inspections of the black paint index marking - References Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletins AS35005.01.03 and AS35505.00.86, Revision 1 - Addresses safety concerns to prevent loss of helicopter control due to TRH component issues

Description

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-01-04 for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters. The directive requires inspecting the pitch change spider nut for correct installation, marking a black paint index mark, and performing inspections and corrective actions as necessary. This AD removes the requirement for repetitive inspections of the black paint index marking and prohibits installing certain parts unless specific requirements are met. The AD aims to address unsafe conditions related to tail rotor head components to ensure helicopter safety.

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