Helicopter Owners: Check Those Rotors by April Deadline
Published Date: 3/13/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own or fly an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 model, listen up! The FAA found a mix-up with rotor parts that could cause safety issues, so they’re requiring a one-time check and fix of these parts by April 17, 2026. You can also replace the rotor head if you want, but don’t install any affected parts afterward. This keeps everyone flying safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Estimated compliance and replacement costs
The FAA estimates this AD affects 34 U.S.-registered helicopters. The mandatory consistency check is estimated at 2 work-hours × $85/hr = $170 per helicopter (total $5,780 for U.S. operators). On-condition actions are estimated at 1 work-hour ($85) each for reviewing the log card and 1 work-hour ($85) to re-identify an MRH. As an optional action, replacing an MRH is estimated at 10 work-hours ($850) plus parts costing up to $89,000 for a total up to $89,850 per helicopter.
You cannot install affected rotor heads
The rule prohibits installing an affected main rotor head (MRH) on any helicopter. If an MRH is identified as affected, it must not be installed on aircraft after this AD is effective April 17, 2026.
Which helicopters are covered
This rule applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, and C-1 helicopters. The AD is effective April 17, 2026 and only these listed models are subject to its requirements.
Mandatory one-time rotor-head check
If you operate one of the listed MBB-BK 117 helicopters, you must perform a one-time consistency check of the main rotor head part number (P/N) and serial number (S/N), determine if the MRH has been modified, perform any corrective actions, and re-identify a modified MRH in accordance with EASA AD 2025-0028 as adopted by this AD. The AD is effective April 17, 2026.
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Key Dates
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