EASA OKs Eurocopter Fix for AStar/Ecureuil Tail Rotor

The EASA has approved Eurocopter’s fix for the tail-rotor problems that have affected the AS350B3e AStar/Ecureuil light single helicopter. Operators will have to perform the modification–essentially removing an additional chin weight and installing a load compensator–within five months, per a recently issued AD. It will “restore the tail rotor dynamic load level,” down to the level found on previous models, such as the B3. The modification will eliminate the additional load on laminated half-bearings, which caused accelerated deterioration.