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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
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.
2026-16803, Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America (Draft EA).
2026-16795, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a climb due to frozen angle of airflow (AOA) sensor vanes. This proposed AD would require installing new external case heaters (ECHs) on the left and right AOA sensors, performing repetitive functional tests and applicable corrective actions, and accomplishing applicable concurrent actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16804, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK. This action would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
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!