Airbus Helicopter Owners Must Update Manuals for Safer Flights
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 D-2 or D-3, listen up! The FAA found problems with airspeed and altitude readings, so they’re making you update your flight manual and swap out certain air conditioning parts by December 23, 2025. These changes keep your helicopter safe and sound, with no big costs expected—just some smart upgrades to keep flying smooth.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Replace ACS condenser outlet grids
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 or D-3, you must replace the air conditioning system (ACS) condenser outlet grids (P/N D211M1821302 or D211M1822302) with ACS condenser outlet covers (P/N D211M1821402 or D211M1822402) and you are prohibited from installing the grids. The FAA estimates replacement takes 20 work-hours at $85/hour plus $970 in parts, for an estimated cost of $2,670 per helicopter and $189,570 for the U.S. fleet of 71 helicopters.
Flight manual revision and VFR-only restriction
If you operate an MBB-BK 117 D-2 or D-3 helicopter, you must revise the Rotorcraft Flight Manual Supplement (RFMS) to add the ACS RFMS altitude correction procedure into the Limitations section and add a visual flight rules (VFR) only restriction until the helicopter is modified with ACS condenser outlet covers. The FAA estimates revising the RFM takes 1 work-hour at $85 per helicopter and requires entering compliance into maintenance records under 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 91.417(a)(2)(v).
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