# 2026-01878: Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters

2026-01878, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters, is a Federal Register rule from Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration published 2026-01-30, effective 2026-02-17 (as of 2026-06-11).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01878
- As of: 2026-06-11
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-01878
- Title: Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Aviation Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 4006
- Published: 2026-01-30
- Effective: 2026-02-17
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: no
- Regulation identifier numbers: 2120-AA64
- Last updated: 2026-06-11

## Summary

If you fly an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK117 D-3, listen up! The FAA found some bolts on the swashplate wearing out too fast, which could be risky. Starting February 17, 2026, helicopter owners must inspect these bolts regularly and fix any problems, plus only use new or approved bolts. This keeps flights safe and might cost some time and money for checks and repairs.

## Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of excessive wear on the bearing bolts, installed on the swashplate, connecting the cardan ring and the control ring assembly. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of the swashplate for vertical and radial play and, depending on the results of the inspections, corrective actions. This AD also prohibits installing any affected bolt unless the bolts are new or certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Effects PRIA read

- Mandatory swashplate inspections start Feb 17, 2026: cost, high. If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland Model MBB-BK117 D-3, you must perform initial and repetitive inspections of the swashplate for vertical and radial play and do corrective actions as required. The AD is effective February 17, 2026, and the initial inspection must be done within 830 h…
- New limits on installing affected bolts: cost, medium. Starting February 17, 2026, the AD prohibits installing any affected bearing bolt on these helicopters unless the bolt is new (defined as zero hours time-in-service) or certain specified requirements are met. This restriction applies to installation of the bolts connecting the cardan ring and the c…
- FAA cost estimates: inspections and replacements: cost, high. The FAA estimates this AD affects 55 U.S.-registered helicopters. The agency estimates an inspection costs 3 work-hours at $85 per hour, totaling $255 per helicopter and $14,025 for the U.S. fleet. The AD also lists replacement (on-condition) costs with parts cost $3,250 and shows labor as 30 work-…

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## Sources
- [2026-01878 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/01/30/2026-01878/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters-deutschland-gmbh-ahd-helicopters)
- [2026-01878 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-01-30/pdf/2026-01878.pdf)

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Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-01878 (as of 2026-06-11).