2003-22-06: Tail rotor pitch control rod (control Rod)

2003-22-06 Eurocopter France: Amendment 39-13354. Docket No. 2000- SW-12-AD. Supersedes AD 98-24-35, Amendment 39-10921, Docket No. 98- SW-41-AD. \n\n\tApplicability: Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, D1, and AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, with tail rotor pitch control rod (control rod), part number (P/N) 350A33-2145-00 or 350A33-2145-01, installed, certificated in any category. \n\n\tCompliance: Required as indicated, unless accomplished previously. \n\n\tTo prevent separation of the control rod outboard spherical bearing (bearing) ball from its outer race, rubbing of the body of the control rod against the tail rotor blade pitch horn clevis, failure of the control rod, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: \n\n\t(a) Before the first flight of each day, place the tail rotor pedals in the neutral position. If the helicopter is fitted with a tail rotor load compensator, discharge the accumulator as described in the rotorcraft flight manual. Check the bearing for play on the helicopter, by observation and feel, by slightly moving the tail rotor blade in the flapping axis while monitoring the bearing for movement. See the following Figure 1 of this AD: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t(1) If the Teflon cloth is coming out of its normal position within the bearing, totally or partially, or if there is discoloration or scoring on the bearing, the bearing is unairworthy. \n\n\t(2) An owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may perform this check and must enter compliance into the aircraft maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.11 and 91.417(a)(2)(v). \n\n\t(b) If a pilot or mechanic detects play, a mechanic must remove the control rod from the helicopter, and using a dial indicator, measure the bearing wear according to the following and as shown in Figures 2 and 3 of this AD: \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\t(1) Remove the control rod from the helicopter. \n\n\t(2) Mount the control rod in a vise as shown inFigure 2 of this AD. \n\n\t(3) Using a dial indicator, take axial play readings by moving the spherical bearing in the direction F (up and down) as shown in Figure 2 of this AD. \n\n\t(4) Mount the bearing in a vise as shown in Figure 3 of this AD. \n\n\t(5) Using a dial indicator, take radial play measurements by moving the control rod in the direction F as shown in Figure 3 of this AD. \n\n\t(6) Record the hours of operation on each control rod. \n\n\t(7) If the radial play exceeds 0.008 inch or axial play exceeds 0.016 inch, replace the control rod with an airworthy control rod before further flight. \n\n\t(8) If the radial and axial play are within limits, reinstall the control rod. \n\n\t(9) Thereafter, at intervals not to exceed 30 hours TIS, remove the control rod and again measure the bearing play with a dial indicator in accordance with this paragraph. \n\n\t(c) To request a different method of compliance or a different compliance time for this AD, follow the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19. Contact the Manager, Safety Management Group, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA, for information about previously approved alternative methods of compliance. \n\n\t(d) This amendment becomes effective on December 3, 2003.