No.

3532-I-67

Information Notice
SUBJECT: ROTOR FLIGHT CONTROLS

Improvement to the inspection of the TGB actuating rod following feedback

after compliance with ALERT SERVICE BULLETIN "Check of the TGB
actuating rod"

For the attention of

AIRCRAFT Version(s)
CONCERNED Civil Military
AS350 B, BA, BB, B1, B2, B3, D L1
AS550 A2, C2, C3, U2
AS355 E, F, F1, F2, N, NP
AS555 AF, AN, SN, UF, UN, AP

Airbus Helicopters has received a lot of feedback following compliance with ALERT SERVICE BULLETINS
AS350-67.00.76, AS355-67.00.46, AS550-67.00.44 and AS555-67.00.31 on the dye-penetrant inspection of the
TGB actuating rod.
Almost all feedback messages indicated that neither cracks nor damages were found around the spherical bearing.

However, two single events have been reported.

The first event showed an abnormal clearance of the spherical bearing (3) + bush (4) + steel sleeve (1) assembly in
relation to the aluminum rod body (2).

Movement of the spherical bearing + bush + sleeve assembly in relation to the rod body 

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 No. 3532-I-67
In the second event, the dye-penetrant inspection enabled the detection of cracks perpendicular to the spherical
bearing, which had been replaced approximately 200H before the inspection.

Analysis of this rod enabled:

1- The confirmation of a corrosion spot on the crimped periphery of the spherical bearing
2- The confirmation of the static character of the cracks

It is very probable that the origin of these cracks, associated with the corrosion on the crimped periphery of the
spherical bearing, is directly linked to the replacement of the spherical bearing performed shortly before.

Thus, considering these two events, improvements have been made to the inspection of the TGB actuating rod:

1- First, to add details to the inspection of the TGB actuating rod, which is performed every 600H/2 years through
compliance with Task 67-21-00,6-1 (AMM) or Work Card 67-20-00-603 (MET), as per helicopter version.

2- And finally, to request a systematic dye-penetrant inspection around the spherical bearing after its replacement
through Task 67-21-00,8-2 (AMM) or Work Card 67-20-00-704 (MRM) to make sure that there are no cracks
after the crimping of the spherical bearing.

You will find attached the PRE-PRINT versions of Tasks 67-21-00,6-1 and 67-21-00,8-2 (AMM).

These PRE-PRINTS, and also those of Work Cards 67-20-00-603 (MET) and 67-20-00-704 (MRM) will soon be
integrated in the technical documentation.

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 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL AS350

Tail Rotor Flight Controls - Inspection / Check

6-1 Check - Tail Rotor Flight Controls
A. Applicable Documents

(1) Main information

53-51-00, 4-2 ................................. Removal / Installation - Lower Cowlings
65-21-00, 4-1 ................................. Removal - TGB
65-21-00, 4-2 ................................. Installation - TGB
67-21-00, 5-1 ................................. Adjustment - Tail Rotor Flight Controls (Version
without AP)

T
67-21-01, 5-1 ................................. Adjustment - Tail Rotor Flight Controls (Version with
AP)

IN
(2) Conditional information
53-10-00, 8-20 ............................... Replacement of the yaw bellcrank support lower
crossbeam
67-21-00, 4-1 ................................. Removal / Installation - Tail Rotor Ball-Type Control
67-21-00, 4-3 ................................. Removal / Installation - Pedal block
PR
67-34-00, 4-3 ................................. Tear-down / Build-up - Loads compensator

(3) General information

67-00-00, 3-1 ................................. General Safety Instructions - Flight Controls
20-02-09-101 MTC
20-03-05-404 MTC
20-04-03-401 MTC
20-04-05-101 MTC
20-07-03-408 MTC
E

B. Special Tools
None
PR

C. Materials
CM 487 ......................................... Primer
CM 488 ......................................... Primer
CM 664 ......................................... Adhesive
Commercial ................................... 600-grit abrasive paper

D. Routine Replacement Parts

None

E. Job Set-up
(1) Comply with the general safety instructions for the flight controls (67-00-00, 3-1).

(2) Install the access equipment.

(3) Remove the lower cowlings (53-51-00, 4-2).

(4) Remove the fairings from the tail boom.

Conf. Code: 002 67-21-00, 6-1 Page 601

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 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL AS350

(5) Remove the control lever (2) (65-21-00, 4-1).

(6) Open the MGB and engine cowlings.

(7) Open the cargo doors.

F. Procedure
(1) Make sure that the following are in good condition and that there is no damage or
excessive play or hard points on all of the removable parts:

- the pedal blocks,

- the coupling tubes,
- the rods,
- the bellcranks,

T
- the sheath stops,
- the spherical bearings,
- the ball-type control.

IN
(2) Replace the rods (67-21-00, 4-3) if:

- there are dents,

- cracks,
- distortion,
PR
- there is no angular movement around the spherical bearings,
- there is play on the spherical bearings.
(3) Perform a check of the ball-type control friction (67-21-00, 5-1) or (67-21-01, 5-1).

NOTE

To perform the check, the ball-type control must be

disconnected at both ends.
E

(4) PRE MOD 073466: make sure that there are no cracks on the lower crossbeams of the
yaw bellcrank supports.

(a) if there are cracks:

PR

1 if possible, perform a crack stop procedure (20-03-05-404 MTC) and,

2 replace the low crossbeams of the yaw bellcrank support within 110 flight
hours (53-10-00, 8-20).

(5) Replace the ball-type control if the friction load is not within tolerances (67-21-00, 4-1).
(6) TGB input rod

Figure 601

(a) Make sure that the condition is correct and that there are no dents or distortion.

(b) Scratches:
1 replace the long rod if there is a scratch with a depth:

- greater than 0.1 mm (.0039 in.) regardless of its location,

- greater than 0.04 mm (.00157 in.) within a 100 mm (3.94 in.) zone on the
spherical bearing side.

Conf. Code: 002 67-21-00, 6-1 Page 602

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 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL AS350

2 scratch permitted without rework:

- depth less than or equal to 0.04 mm (.00157 in.).

3 rework for scratches with a depth between 0.04 mm (.00157 in.) and 0.1 mm
(.0039 in.) outside the 100 mm (3.94 in.) zone on the spherical bearing side:

- sanding with 600-grit abrasive paper (20-04-03-401 MTC),

- touch-up with Primer CM 487 and Primer CM 488.

(c) Make sure that there are no cracks on the entire length and in particular in zone Z.
(d) If there is any doubt concerning a crack, perform a dye penetrant inspection (
20-02-09-101 MTC).

T
(e) Make sure that:

1 there is no radial play greater than 0.1 mm (.0039 in.) in the spherical bearing
(3),

IN
2 that there is no spherical bearing (3) / bush (4) clearance,

3 that there is no bush (4) / rod (1) clearance.

(f) Make sure that the protection is in place at the end of the long rod on the spherical
bearing side and that it is in good condition (zone *****).
PR
(g) If necessary, apply the protection again:

1 a bead of Adhesive CM 664,

2 a layer of Primer CM 487 and Primer CM 488,

3 touch-up of finishing paint (20-04-05-101 MTC).

(7) Make sure that the condition of the direction bearings is correct.
E

(8) Replace the damaged components (67-21-00, 4-3) if:

- there are dents,

PR

- cracks,
- distortion.

(9) Make sure that all the fixed parts are correctly attached on the structure.

(10) Make sure that the trim actuator (if Automatic Pilot configuration) and the series actuator
are in good condition and correctly attached.
(11) Make sure that the condition and the attachment of the tail rotor actuator and load
compensator (if installed) are correct and that there are no leaks.

(12) Replace the body of the load compensator (67-34-00, 4-3) if it has any scratches > 1 mm
(.039 in.).

(13) Make sure that the pedal block is correctly attached and operates correctly.
(14) Make sure that all the components are correctly safetied, in particular the ends of the
rods.

(15) Make sure that the position and the condition of the electrical bonding braids are correct.

Conf. Code: 002 67-21-00, 6-1 Page 603

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 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL AS350

G. Close-up
(1) Perform a visual inspection of the work area (20-07-03-408 MTC).

(2) Install the control lever (2) (65-21-00, 4-2).

(3) If a component was replaced, make sure that the flight controls are correctly adjusted (
67-21-00, 5-1) or (67-21-01, 5-1).
(4) Close the MGB and engine cowlings.

(5) Close the cargo doors.

(6) Install the tail boom fairings.

(7) Install the lower cowlings (53-51-00, 4-2).

T
(8) Remove the access equipment.

IN
PR
E
PR

Conf. Code: 002 67-21-00, 6-1 Page 604

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 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL AS350

T
1 2

IN
A B

* * ***
C * ** C
PR
***
* *
**
* * ***
1

B Z
E
PR

SECTION
C−C 3

1 4

Check of the end of the rear long rod

Figure 601

Conf. Code: 002 67-21-00, 6-1 Page 605

END OF MODULE 2020.05.26

 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL AS350

Tail Rotor Flight Controls - Repair

8-2 Replacement of a long rod spherical bearing
A. Applicable Documents

(1) Main information

67-21-00, 4-5 ................................. Removal / Installation - Long Rod

(2) Conditional information

None

T
(3) General information
60-00-00, 3-1 ................................. General Safety Instructions - Mechanical Assemblies
67-00-00, 3-1 ................................. General Safety Instructions - Flight Controls

IN
20-02-09-101 MTC
B. Special Tools

Commercial ................................... adjustable trepanning tool with 6 mm (.236 in.) diameter

guide
PR
Local Manufactured ...................... crimping tool
Local Manufactured ...................... tool for checking the swivel torque
Local Manufactured ...................... tool for checking the crimping
Commercial ................................... 0 to 10 tons (0 - 22046 lbf) press
Commercial ................................... spring scale graduated from 0 to 1 kg (0 - 2.2 lbf)

C. Materials
CM 518 ......................................... Anti-corrosion agent
E

D. Routine Replacement Parts

PR

AMM
Description Reference
Fig. Item
Figure 801 (2) Bush (P/N 350A27-1911-20)
Figure 801 (3) Crimping rivet (P/N 350A27-1912-20)
Figure 801 (4) Spherical bearing (P/N EN2023S06E)

E. Job Set-up

NOTE

The locally manufactured tools must be

manufactured as per Figure Figure 802 and
Figure 803.

(1) Comply with the general safety instructions for the mechanical assemblies (60-00-00,
3-1).

(2) Comply with the general safety instructions for the flight controls (67-00-00, 3-1).

67-21-00, 8-2 Page 801

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 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL AS350

(3) Remove the long rod (67-21-00, 4-5).

F. Procedure
(1) Removal of the spherical bearing (4)

Figure 801 - DETAIL B

(a) Trim the edge of the crimped rivet (3) using a trepanning tool.

(b) Remove and discard the bushes (2), the rivet (3), the spherical bearing (4).

(2) Check after removal

Figure 801 - DETAIL A

T
(a) Perform a search for cracks by dye penetrant inspection next to the bore on the rod
(1) (20-02-09-101 MTC).

IN
(b) Make sure that the dimension D of the bore is not greater than 19.1 mm (.7519 in.).

(c) Discard the rod if necessary.

(3) Installation of the spherical bearing (4)

Figure 801 and Figure 803

PR
(a) Apply Anti-corrosion agent CM 518 to the contact surfaces between the rod (1) and
the bushes (2).
(b) Apply Anti-corrosion agent CM 518 to the external bush of the spherical bearing (4)
and to the rivet (3).

(c) Apply Anti-corrosion agent CM 518 to the contact surfaces between the rod (1) and
the rivet (3).

(d) Assemble and install the components on the rod in the assembly sequence (
E

Figure 801 - DETAIL B).

(e) Press crimp using the crimping tool (5) and by applying a load "F" equal to 4 tons
PR

(8818 lbf) (Figure 801 - DETAIL C and Figure 803).

(4) Check after crimping

Figure 801 and Figure 802

(a) Make sure that the spherical bearing (4) is in contact on the internal shoulder of the
rivet (3).
(b) Make sure that the bushes (2) are correctly in contact on the rod (1).

(c) Perform a visual inspection for possible distortions.

(d) Perform a dye penetrant inspection for cracks in the zones Z (Figure 804) (
20-02-09-101 MTC).
(e) Make sure that the swivel torque is less than 0.6 N.m (5.31 in.-lb) by applying a
load "F1" on the tool (6) and by measuring the load with the spring scale (7) (
Figure 802 - DETAIL D).

(f) Make sure the that the center of the spherical bearing protrudes on both sides of
the rivet by a value "e" of at least 1 mm (.039 in.) (Figure 802 - DETAIL E).

67-21-00, 8-2 Page 802

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 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL AS350

(g) Check of the crimping (Figure 802 - DETAIL F)

- Install the crimping checking tool (8).

- Using a press, apply a load "F2" = 740 N (167 lbf) on the uncrimped surface of
the external cage of the spherical bearing.
- Make sure that the crimping is correct.

G. Close-up
(1) Install the long rod (67-21-00, 4-5).

T
IN
PR
E
PR

67-21-00, 8-2 Page 803

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 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL AS350

1
A

T
B

2 IN
PR
3
E

C
PR

Replacement of a long rod spherical bearing

Figure 801

67-21-00, 8-2 Page 804

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 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL AS350

D F1

6 7

d = 6 mm
(.236 in)
0

T
100 mm
(3.943 in)

IN
E
e

PR
e

F
E

F2
PR

Check of the crimping

Figure 802

67-21-00, 8-2 Page 805

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 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL AS350

Material 35 NCD 16

T
IN
Ø 55
25

PR
22
25

11,5

5
8,5

0,8

Interference fit Ø6
Ø 12 A
E

Ø 17,5
Ø 25
Ø 36 A
PR

Stub
0,8

Ø 26

Ø 12

5
1,2

Rad = 2, polish
30

23

Material 35 NCD 16
Ø 6,2

Ø 55
length : mm

Crimping tool
Figure 803

67-21-00, 8-2 Page 806

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 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE MANUAL AS350

T
IN 1
PR
Z
E
PR

Crack inspection zones

Figure 804

67-21-00, 8-2 Page 807

END OF MODULE 2020.05.26