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.
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: 2025-23566, 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.