Helicopter Hooks Hazard: FAA's Tighten-Up Directive
Published Date: 1/26/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to fix a safety issue with certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland models MBB-BK 117 C-2 and D-2. Some hooks might get damaged if tightened too much, so the FAA proposes changing or replacing these parts to keep flights safe. Helicopter owners need to act before March 12, 2026, or risk grounding their aircraft, but the fix helps avoid costly problems down the line.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Required fix for specific BK117 helicopters
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK117 C-2 or D-2 in the U.S., the FAA would require you to modify the large hook damper assembly or replace the affected hook per EASA AD 2025-0188. The FAA estimates the rule would affect 183 U.S.-registered helicopters and that the basic modification and reidentification costs about $3,630 per helicopter (1 work-hour at $85 plus $3,545 parts), totaling $664,290 for U.S. operators.
Higher-cost alternative replacement option
As an alternative to the basic modification, operators may replace the large hook damper assembly with a serviceable assembly at a higher estimated cost of $23,952 per product (1 work-hour at $85 plus $23,867 parts). The FAA states it cannot determine how many helicopters would choose this replacement option.
Installation ban and operational limits
The proposed AD prohibits installing the affected large hook damper assembly P/N 44307-480 on any helicopter unless certain requirements are met within 12 months of the AD's effective date. Special flight permits may be issued to fly helicopters to a location where the AD actions can be done, provided no external load is carried during those flights.
Prevents hoist failure and injuries
The FAA says the standard MS18027 hook may yield when assembled with higher torques, which could cause the large hook damper assembly to fail and result in loss of the hoist load and injury to persons. The AD is proposed to require actions to prevent that failure and protect people from those risks.
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