98-24-35: Outboard Spherical Bearing Ball

98-24-35 EUROCOPTER FRANCE: Amendment 39-10921. Docket No. 98-SW-41-AD. Applicability: Eurocopter France Model AS-350B, B1, B2, BA, C, D, D1, and AS 355E, F, F1, F2, and N helicopters, with tail rotor pitch change control rod (control rod), part number (P/N) 350A33-2145-01, installed, certificated in any category. NOTE 1: This AD applies to each helicopter identified in the preceding applicability provision, regardless of whether it has been modified, altered, or repaired in the area subject to the requirements of this AD. For helicopters that have been modified, altered, or repaired so that the performance of the requirements of this AD is affected, the owner/operator must use the authority provided in paragraph (b) to request approval from the FAA. This approval may address either no action, if the current configuration eliminates the unsafe condition, or different actions necessary to address the unsafe condition described in this AD. Such a request should includean assessment of the effect of the changed configuration on the unsafe condition addressed by this AD. In no case does the presence of any modification, alteration, or repair remove any helicopter from the applicability of this AD. Compliance: Required within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the effective date of this AD, unless accomplished previously, and thereafter at intervals not to exceed 50 hours TIS. To prevent separation of the outboard spherical 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 loss of control of the helicopter, accomplish the following: (a) Using a dial indicator, measure the axial and radial play of the outboard spherical bearing on the control rod. If the play exceeds 0.008-inch, replace the control rod with an airworthy control rod. (b) An alternative method of compliance or adjustment of the compliance time that provides an acceptable level of safety may be used when approved by the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff, Rotorcraft Directorate, FAA. Operators shall submit their requests through an FAA Principal Maintenance Inspector, who may concur or comment and then send it to the Manager, Rotorcraft Standards Staff. NOTE 2: Information concerning the existence of approved alternative methods of compliance with this AD, if any, may be obtained from the Rotorcraft Standards Staff. (c) Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with sections 21.197 and 21.199 of the Federal Aviation Regulations (14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199) to operate the helicopter to a location where the requirements of this AD can be accomplished. (d) This amendment becomes effective on December 17, 1998.