FAA orders crack inspections and part replacement on Airbus Helicopters MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This rule requires U.S. operators of Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters to inspect the rotor hub-shaft for cracks, replace any cracked part, and report the inspection result after replacement if needed. It also bans installing affected rotor hub-shafts unless the required conditions are met. The FAA moved quickly because a crack was found after pilots reported increased vibration, and a failure could lead to loss of control. The rule is already effective, special flight permits are not allowed, and operators should confirm compliance immediately.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Requires inspection of the rotor hub-shaft for cracks on all affected MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters
- Requires replacement of any rotor hub-shaft found cracked and reporting after replacement when applicable
- Prohibits installing affected rotor hub-shafts unless the required inspection and approval conditions are met
Obligations
What this law requires
Operators of Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters must inspect the rotor hub-shaft for cracks and comply with the applicable instructions in EASA Emergency AD 2026-0078-E, as incorporated by reference in this FAA AD.
If the inspection shows any crack in the rotor hub-shaft, operators must replace the cracked rotor hub-shaft.
After completing a required replacement, operators must report the inspection result information as required by EASA Emergency AD 2026-0078-E.
Operators must not install any affected rotor hub-shaft on any helicopter unless the requirements of EASA Emergency AD 2026-0078-E have been met, including passing the required inspection.
When applying the incorporated EASA emergency AD, operators must use hours time-in-service instead of flight hours for compliance timing under this FAA AD.