FAA Orders Crack Checks on CH-47D Helicopter Support Beams for Safety
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or operate a restricted category CH-47D helicopter, the FAA wants you to regularly check a key part called the right-hand forward transmission support beam for cracks. If cracks show up, you’ll need to fix them and report any past repairs or replacements. This keeps your helicopter safe and flying strong, with comments on the plan due by February 5, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
No Special Flight Permits Allowed
The proposed AD prohibits special flight permits for affected restricted-category CH-47D helicopters. That means you may not obtain an FAA special flight permit to fly the helicopter to a location for repair while this AD is in effect.
Required Repetitive Beam Inspections
If you own or operate a restricted-category CH-47D helicopter, you must visually inspect the right‑hand forward transmission support beam fitting (part 145S1838-1) within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the AD becomes effective and then at intervals not to exceed 100 hours TIS. Inspections must use 7X (or higher) magnification and a light source and cover the area at right butt line (RBL) 18 from station (STA) 76 to STA 120; if any crack is found, you must repair or replace the part before further flight using an FAA‑approved method. The FAA estimates the inspection labor at 2 work-hours × $85/hour = $170 per helicopter and estimates the AD would affect 42 U.S.-registered helicopters (total inspection cost on U.S. operators: $7,140).
Reporting Past Repairs and Replacements
If repairs to the RH forward transmission support beam fitting were done before the AD effective date, you must submit specified information within 30 days after the AD effective date, including aircraft serial and registration numbers, TIS when repaired, design and substantiation data, and a copy of FAA Form 337 or military equivalent. If a fitting was replaced before the AD effective date, you must submit within 30 days either production/source/manufacturer data for new parts or source and TIS history for used parts; the FAA estimates reporting at about 1 hour per response (OMB Control Number 2120-0056) and estimated labor cost of 1 work-hour × $85/hour = $85 per helicopter (total on U.S. operators: $3,570).
Option for Alternative Compliance Methods
The Manager, West Certification Branch, FAA, may approve alternative methods of compliance (AMOCs) for this AD if requested under 14 CFR 39.19; before using an approved AMOC, you must notify your principal inspector or the local flight standards district office. Requests for AMOCs are sent through the channels described in the AD.
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