Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model AS350B, B1, B2, B3, BA, C, D, D1, and AS355E, F, F1, F2, and N Helicopters

This amendment supersedes an existing airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Eurocopter France (ECF) model helicopters that currently requires measuring the tail rotor pitch control rod (control rod) outboard spherical bearing (bearing) for radial and axial play. This amendment revises the requirement to measure control rod play. This amendment also adds the Eurocopter France Model AS350B3 helicopter and an additional control rod to the applicability, a daily check of the control rod bearing, a larger axial play limit, a more frequent AD compliance interval, and makes editorial changes for clarification. This amendment is prompted by additional service information and comments resulting in the FAA determination that the inspection interval should coincide with the normal maintenance interval, that the AD should apply to the ECF Model AS350B3 helicopter and an additional control rod, that the daily inspection should be a daily check, and that certain editorial changes are needed for clarification. The actions specified by this AD are intended to prevent separation of the 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.