AD 2022-01-01
Applicability
| Type | Manufacturer | Model | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| aircraft | Airbus | Helicopters Model AS350B | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters |
| aircraft | Aviat | Various | Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters |
Unsafe Condition
Loss of tightening torque of the screws connecting the MR pitch rods to the horns of the upper links, which could result in loss of one or more MR pitch rod upper links, possibly resulting in loss of control of the helicopter.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Required Actions
Apply alignment markings on the screw, washer, nut, and horn on both sides of each MR pitch rod upper link, and repetitive visual inspections of the two alignment markings to determine if the markings are aligned on both sides. If misaligned, measure the tightening torque value of the nut of the pitch rod upper link and adjust the nut if it does not meet the specified criteria. Inspect the pitch rod upper link to determine the condition of the bush (bushing) and spherical bearing and to determine if the cups are tight (paint mark in place), and measuring the play. If there is seizing, carbide chips, or the cups are loose (paint mark not in place), replace the spherical bearing. If the play measurement is greater than the specified measurement, replace the rod end fitting. Additional actions include checking the bonding and condition of the retaining ring and inspecting the pitch rod bodies for evidence of any impact, scratch, strike, or corrosion. Inspect the pitch rods for chipped finish paint, scratches, impacts, and cracking, and measuring the play. If paint is chipped, repair (sanding the affected area and applying touch-up primer and paint). If there is any scratch, an impact with a depth equal to or greater than the specified measurement, or any crack, replace the pitch rod. If the play measurement is greater than 0.25 mm or there is cracking, replace the spherical bearing. If a helicopter was involved in an incident, inspect the straightness of the rod body ``R'' and replace the pitch rod if the straightness of the rod body is greater than 0.5 mm. Inspect the pitch horn for any evidence of impact, scratch, corrosion, chipped paint, cracking, and any elongated attachment hole; and inspect the bonding of the retaining ring and measuring dimension ``X'' of the retaining ring. If there is any evidence of impact, scratch, or corrosion, and the depth meets the specified criteria, touch up the affected area with an abrasive cloth and apply a protective coating and a coat of primer. If there is any cracking, elongated attachment hole, or the impact, scratch, or corrosion depth exceeds the specified criteria, replace the pitch horn. If paint is chipped, sand the affected area and apply touch-up primer and paint. If the retaining ring has debonded, rebond the retaining ring. If dimension ``X'' of the retaining ring exceeds the specified criteria, replace the retaining ring. Measure the geometry of ``G'' of the pitch horn and replace the pitch horn if the dimension is not within the specified range. Install new split pins, nuts, washers, and a screw on the pitch rod upper link.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Compliance Time
Within 50 flight hours
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Affected Aircraft
Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, AS350D, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopters; Model AS355E, AS355F, AS355F1, AS355F2, AS355N, and AS355NP helicopters; and Model SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, SA-365N1, AS-365N2, and AS 365 N3 helicopters.
AI-generated summary from the source AD text. Verify against the official source before acting.
Source: Official FAA Source ↗
Retrieved: Apr 4, 2026
Rights: U.S. Government Public Domain
This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by the FAA. Always verify with official sources.