FAA Orders Checks on Airbus Helicopter Control Bearings
Published Date: 2/26/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you fly Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 C-2 or D-2 models, listen up! The FAA wants you to check certain control rod and pitch link bearings for wear, report what you find, and fix any problems. This keeps your helicopter safe and sound, with comments due by April 14, 2025—so don’t wait! Some parts can’t be installed unless they meet new rules, helping avoid costly repairs later.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Must measure and report bearing radial play
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 C-2 or D-2 helicopter, you must measure the radial play of the control rod assembly and pitch link assembly spherical bearings and report the results. The FAA requires measuring the two spherical bearings of each affected part within 100 hours time-in-service after the AD's effective date (per this NPRM) and submitting the measurement report within 30 days after the measurement (or within 30 days after the AD effective date if measured earlier). Depending on the measurement results, the AD requires replacing the affected control rod end before further flight, within 50 hours time-in-service, or within 100 hours time-in-service.
New parts-installation limit (0.10 mm)
As of the AD's effective date, you may not install an affected control rod assembly or pitch link assembly on any helicopter unless the radial play of each of the part's two spherical bearings is measured and is equal to or less than 0.10 mm. The AD replaces a subjective ‘inspect for play’ requirement with this measurable 0.10 mm limit.
Mandatory reporting paperwork burden
You must report all measurement results to Airbus Helicopters and to the FAA as required by the AD. The Paperwork Reduction Act information lists OMB Control Number 2120-0056 and estimates public reporting for this collection will take about 1 hour per response; all responses are mandatory.
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