FAA Orders Rotor Head Serial Scrutiny for Helicopters
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or operate certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland models, this new rule wants you to double-check your main rotor head’s part and serial numbers to make sure they’re correct. If there’s a mix-up, you’ll need to fix it or replace the rotor head to keep flying safely. Comments on this rule are open until February 2, 2026, so act fast if you have thoughts or questions!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Ban on Installing Affected Rotor Heads
The proposed AD prohibits installing an affected MRH on any helicopter. If a MRH has duplicate or incorrect P/N and S/N, you may not install it and must correct or re-identify the MRH using an FAA-, EASA-, or Airbus Helicopters DOA-approved method.
Optional Rotor-Head Replacement Cost
As an optional action, you may replace the MRH instead of performing the checks; the FAA estimates replacement labor at 10 work-hours (10 x $85 = $850) plus parts costing up to $89,000, for a total cost up to $89,850 per helicopter.
Mandatory Rotor-Head ID Check
If you own or operate Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, or C-1 helicopters, you must perform a one-time consistency check of the main rotor head (MRH) part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N) and follow corrective actions in EASA AD 2025-0028 as incorporated by reference. The FAA estimates the check requires 2 work-hours at $85/hour = $170 per helicopter, and additional on-condition actions (reviewing log cards or re-identifying MRH) are estimated at 1 work-hour ($85) each if needed.
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