Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
Published Date: 1/30/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK117 D-3, listen up! The FAA found some bolts on the swashplate wearing out too fast, which could be risky. Starting February 17, 2026, helicopter owners must inspect these bolts regularly and fix any problems, plus only use new or approved bolts. This keeps flights safe and might cost some time and money for checks and repairs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory swashplate inspections start Feb 17, 2026
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland Model MBB-BK117 D-3, you must perform initial and repetitive inspections of the swashplate for vertical and radial play and do corrective actions as required. The AD is effective February 17, 2026, and the initial inspection must be done within 830 hours time-in-service (TIS) since new of the bearing bolt, or within 10 hours TIS after February 17, 2026, whichever occurs later; if the bolt TIS is unknown, use the swashplate TIS.
FAA cost estimates: inspections and replacements
The FAA estimates this AD affects 55 U.S.-registered helicopters. The agency estimates an inspection costs 3 work-hours at $85 per hour, totaling $255 per helicopter and $14,025 for the U.S. fleet. The AD also lists replacement (on-condition) costs with parts cost $3,250 and shows labor as 30 work-hours at $85 per hour and a cost-per-product figure of $2,550 (as stated in the rule).
New limits on installing affected bolts
Starting February 17, 2026, the AD prohibits installing any affected bearing bolt on these helicopters unless the bolt is new (defined as zero hours time-in-service) or certain specified requirements are met. This restriction applies to installation of the bolts connecting the cardan ring and the control ring assembly.
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