Airworthiness Directives; Eurocopter France Model SA 330F, G, and J Helicopters

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD), applicable to Eurocopter France Model SA 330F, G, and J helicopters, that requires an initial and repetitive inspections of each tail rotor shaft flapping hinge retainer (retainer) for cracks and replacement of a retainer if a crack is discovered. This amendment is prompted by a report of high vibrations due to a cracked retainer occurring on a helicopter while it was in service. The actions specified by this AD are intended to detect cracks in the retainers that, if left undetected, could lead to high tail rotor vibrations, loss of tail rotor control, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.