Helicopter Parts Wearing Out? FAA Orders Urgent Inspections Now
Published Date: 12/8/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly or fix Airbus Helicopters Deutschland’s MBB-BK 117 C-2 or D-2 models, listen up! Starting January 12, 2026, you’ll need to check certain bearings for wear, report what you find, and fix any problems. This keeps the helicopters safe and stops worn parts from causing trouble, so plan for some inspections and possible repairs soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory bearing measurements within 100 hours
If you operate or maintain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 or D-2 helicopters, you must measure the radial play of the two spherical bearings of each affected control rod and pitch link within 100 hours time-in-service after January 12, 2026. The AD requires following the Airbus/EASA service instructions incorporated by reference when taking these measurements.
Parts installation blocked unless bearings ≤ 0.10 mm
As of January 12, 2026, you may not install an affected control rod or pitch link assembly on any helicopter unless you measure the radial play of the part's two spherical bearings and confirm each bearing's radial play is equal to or less than 0.10 mm. This installation limitation is mandatory under the AD.
Estimated compliance costs and fleet size
The FAA estimates the AD affects 180 U.S.-registered helicopters. Measuring radial play and reporting takes about 2 work-hours per helicopter (estimated labor $85/hour) for a per-helicopter cost of $170, and replacing a control rod or pitch link assembly (if required) is estimated at 1 work-hour plus $1,650 parts for a total of $1,735 per replacement.
Mandatory reporting of measurement results
You must report the measurement results to Airbus Helicopters (per the incorporated EASA AD) within 30 days after the measurement if done on or after January 12, 2026; if measured before that date, submit the report within 30 days after January 12, 2026. The paperwork burden is estimated at about 1 hour per response (OMB Control Number 2120-0056) and all responses are mandatory.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08943 — Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-10293 — Prohibition of Remote Dispatching
The FAA wants to stop airplane dispatchers from working remotely, except in emergencies when the main center is down. This change affects all domestic, flag, and supplemental airline operators and aims to keep flight safety tight and clear. Comments on this rule are open until July 21, 2026, so airlines and dispatchers should get ready for a new way of working that could shake up their routines.
2026-10270 — Airworthiness Directives; Embraer S.A. (Type Certificate Previously Held by Yaborã Indústria Aeronáutica S.A.; Embraer S.A.) Airplanes
The FAA is requiring certain Embraer ERJ 190-100 ECJ airplanes to get a close check on their overheat detection sensors because some parts might not work right. If problems are found, those parts must be replaced, and no faulty parts can be installed anymore. This rule kicks in on June 26, 2026, helping keep flights safe without breaking the bank.
2026-10256 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly Airbus EC130T2 helicopters, the FAA wants you to install a new fix on the tail rotor drive shaft and keep checking its vibration regularly. This update replaces old rules and stops certain parts from being used unless they meet new safety standards. You’ve got until July 6, 2026, to share your thoughts, and while this might cost some bucks, it’s all about keeping flights safe and smooth.
2026-10271 — Airworthiness Directives; Bombardier, Inc., Airplanes
The FAA is making sure certain Bombardier BD-700 airplanes are safe by checking and fixing bolts on the baggage door that might have been tightened wrong. Owners need to inspect and adjust or replace these bolts by June 26, 2026, to keep flying safely. This fix helps avoid any door problems and keeps passengers secure without breaking the bank.
2026-10272 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
If you fly or work with Airbus A330 planes, listen up! The FAA found a problem where a backup fuel pump might fail quietly, trapping fuel that can’t be used. Starting June 8, 2026, airlines must regularly check these pumps and fix any issues to keep flights safe—no big wallet hits expected, just smart safety moves.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22209 — Atlantic Highly Migratory Species; Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Fisheries; Closure of the General Category December Fishery for 2025
Starting December 5, 2025, at 11:30 p.m., the General category fishery for Atlantic bluefin tuna will close for the rest of December. This means commercial fishermen with the right permits can’t keep or sell big bluefin tuna until the fishery reopens on January 1, 2026. During the closure, they can only catch and release tuna, helping protect this valuable fish while still letting fishermen enjoy the sport.
Next: 2025-22218 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly Airbus Helicopters AS 332L2 or EC 225LP models, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules to keep your main gearbox bolts and fittings in top shape by requiring inspections and a new design upgrade. Starting January 12, 2026, you’ll need to follow these steps to stay safe and legal—plus, some parts can’t be installed after the fix, so plan ahead!