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.
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
2026-13440 — 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.
2026-13472 — Establishment of Class E Airspace; Jewett, TX
Starting October 29, 2026, the FAA is creating new Class E airspace around Hub Field in Jewett, Texas, to help pilots use new instrument flight procedures safely. This change mainly affects pilots flying in and out of Jewett, making flying safer and smoother without extra costs or delays. So, if you’re a pilot or involved in local aviation, get ready for clearer skies and better guidance!
2026-13475 — Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA is making sure certain Boeing 787 airplanes stay safe by fixing door handles that have been coming loose during pre-flight checks. Starting August 6, 2026, airlines must install new parts and do inspections to keep these doors secure. This update helps prevent safety issues without causing big delays or costs.
2026-13477 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of a Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Maintenance, Preventive Maintenance, Rebuilding, and Alteration
The FAA is asking for your thoughts on renewing a form that tracks important airplane maintenance and repairs to keep flying safe. This affects aircraft owners and mechanics who fill out Form 337 after major fixes or changes, which takes about an hour each. Comments are open until August 3, 2026, and this process helps ensure safety without adding extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23566 — Petition To Delist Hazardous Air Pollutant: 2-Butoxyethyl Benzoate (2-BEB)
The EPA wants to remove 2-Butoxyethyl Benzoate (2-BEB) from the list of hazardous air pollutants because new data shows it’s safer than once thought. This change affects companies using 2-BEB, easing some rules and possibly saving money. You can share your thoughts by February 20, 2026, and there might be a virtual hearing if requested by December 27, 2025.
Next: 2025-23625 — Space Bureau Extends Comment and Reply Comment Deadlines for Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regarding Facilitating More Intensive Use of Upper Microwave Spectrum
The Space Bureau is giving everyone more time to share their thoughts on new rules about using the upper microwave spectrum more intensively. If you’re involved in space or communications tech, you now have until January 20, 2026, to comment and until February 18, 2026, to reply. This extension helps make sure all voices are heard before any money or tech changes happen.