SPECIAL AIRWORTHINESS
FAA
Aircraft Certification Service
http://www.faa.gov/aircraft/safety/alerts/SAIB
This is information only. Recommendations aren’t mandatory.
Introduction
This Special Airworthiness Information
Bulletin (SAIB) alerts owners and operators of
all Eurocopter France (ECF) AS350B,
AS350BA, AS350BB, AS350B1, AS350B2,
AS350B3, AS350D (Astar) and AS355E
(Twinstar) helicopters to a potential flight
safety hazard concerning the serrated washers
(part number 341A75-3000-20) on the lower
servo-control rod end-fittings on flight control
actuators. (See Figure 2)
NOTE: The target audience for this SAIB is
the MAINTENANCE AND PILOT
community for Eurocopter products.
Background
We have become aware of the potential for
separation of, or excessive wear on, the inner
tang of the serrated washers located on the
servo control-rod end-fittings. This condition
could lead to flight control disconnect and
subsequent loss of aircraft control. Two fatal
accidents have occurred after the servo-control
rod end-fitting became detached from the
servo-actuator.
Eurocopter issued a Telex (T.F.S. No.
00000379) dated 20 March 2007 for all AS350
and AS355E models concerning this issue.
Recommendations
We strongly recommend that mechanics and
pilots of Eurocopter AS350 Astar and AS355E
Twinstar helicopters perform the following
actions:
1
INFORMATION BULLETIN
SAIB: SW-07-22
Date: March 22, 2007
Maintenance Actions
• Immediately inspect the serrated
washers on the lower servo-control rod
end-fittings for condition, security and
appropriate measurement, as defined in
the maintenance manual.
• Ensure the proper torque and
measurement, as defined in the
maintenance manual, of the lower
servo-control rod end-fitting jam nut.
Ensure the torque points are applied as
prescribed by the maintenance manual.
• DO NOT use the lower servo-control
rod end-fitting as a wrench attach point
for torque application. When
appropriate torque is applied, hardware
should be torque striped to ensure
unintended movement is easily
identifiable.
• If the serrated washer appears worn,
remove, discard, and replace with a
new serrated washer.
See Figures 1 and 2.
• Operators are requested to report
missing tangs or excessive serrated
washer inner tang wear and/or servo-
control rod end-fitting movement to the
point of contact (POC) listed on this
SAIB.
Pilot Actions
• Pilots should inspect the condition and
security of the flight control system
during pre-flight inspection, and
immediately report any misalignment
to maintenance personnel.
For Further Information Contact For Related Service Information Contact

Mr. Michael Hemann, FAA Rotorcraft
Directorate, ASW-112 Standards Staff, Fort
Worth, Texas 76193-0110; phone: (817) 222-
5336; fax: (817) 222-5961; email:
michael.hemann@faa.gov.
American Eurocopter Corporation, 2701 Forum
Drive, Grand Prairie, Texas 75053-4005;
phone: (972) 641-3460, fax: (972) 641-3527.

Servo-control rod end-

fitting serrated washer

Servo-control rod end-

fitting jam nut

Servo-control rod
end-fitting

Figure 1 Figure 2
Flight Control Servo Actuators Exploded View of Lower Servo Control-Rod