AD FAA-2011-0561

This amendment adopts a new airworthiness directive (AD) for the specified Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (BHT) model helicopters with tail rotor (T[sol]R) blades with certain serial numbers installed. This action requires a one-time inspection of the T[sol]R blade for corrosion or pitting, and repairing or replacing the T[sol]R blade, if that condition is found during the inspection. This amendment is prompted by a report from the manufacturer that T[sol]R blades with certain serial numbers may have manufacturing anomalies in the spar area. These actions are intended to detect corrosion or pitting in the forward spar area of a T[sol]R blade to prevent a crack in the T[sol]R blade, loss of the T[sol]R blade, and subsequent loss of control of the helicopter.