Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Key claim: The FAA is superseding AD 2023-01-04 for specified Airbus Helicopters models to update tail rotor head inspection requirements by eliminating repetitive black paint index marking inspections and restricting installation of certain parts.
Abstract
(Rule · Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration) 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. AD 2023-01-04 required, for helicopters with certain part- numbered tail rotor head (TRH) spider pitch change units installed, inspecting the pitch change spider nut (nut) for correct installation; marking a 2 to 5 mm wide black paint index mark and repetitively inspecting the alignment of the marking; and performing additional inspections and corrective actions if necessary. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-01-04, new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations were issued, which terminated the requirement for the repetitive inspections of the black paint index marking. This AD requires the same actions as AD 2023-01-04, except for the repetitive black paint index marking inspections and prohibits installing certain parts unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Why this matters
The FAA is superseding AD 2023-01-04 for specified Airbus Helicopters models to update tail rotor head inspection requirements by eliminating repetitive black paint index marking inspections and restricting installation of certain parts.