Helicopter Vibes Check: FAA Orders Swashplate Inspections
Published Date: 9/15/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 D-3, listen up! The FAA wants you to check your helicopter’s swashplate because a part might be installed wrong, causing dangerous vibrations. You’ll need to inspect it once and fix any problems fast—no using the faulty part until it’s safe. This keeps everyone flying smooth and safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
One-time swashplate inspection required
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland Model MBB-BK 117 D-3, the FAA would require a one-time inspection of the swashplate to check for incorrect installation of the angular ball bearing. If the inspection finds problems, you must perform corrective actions before further flight.
Installation ban on affected swashplates
The FAA would prohibit installing an affected swashplate on any Airbus Helicopters Deutschland Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopter unless specific requirements are met. That means operators and maintenance providers cannot fit a swashplate with the identified issue unless they follow the FAA-specified requirements first.
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