Don't Overtighten: FAA Warns on Helicopter Hook Damage
Published Date: 5/13/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 C-2 or D-2, listen up! The FAA found a certain hook part can get damaged if tightened too much, which could be unsafe. Starting June 17, 2026, you’ll need to fix or replace these parts to keep your helicopter safe and legal—so don’t wait, or you might ground your bird and spend extra cash.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory hook fix for BK 117 helicopters
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 C-2 or D-2, you must modify and re-identify the large hook damper assembly or replace it by following EASA AD 2025-0188 as adopted by this FAA AD effective June 17, 2026. The required fix replaces the standard MS18027 hook (P/N 42305-283) with a D-Lok hook (P/N 42315-488) and reidentifies the assembly to P/N 44307-480-1, or replaces assembly P/N 44307-480 with P/N 44307-480-1; installing the affected assembly P/N 44307-480 is prohibited unless specified requirements are met within 12 months of the AD's effective date.
Estimated compliance costs to operators
The FAA estimates the AD affects 183 U.S.-registered helicopters and that modifying the hook and reidentifying the large hook damper assembly will cost about $3,630 per helicopter (1 work-hour at $85 plus $3,545 parts), for an aggregate estimated cost of $664,290. As an alternative, replacing the large hook damper assembly would cost about $23,952 per product (1 work-hour at $85 plus $23,867 parts), although the FAA did not estimate how many operators would choose replacement.
Limited ferry flights allowed to comply
Special flight permits may be issued to operate an affected helicopter to a location where the AD actions can be done, but only if the flight carries no external load. This allows operators to move a helicopter for compliance work despite the AD, subject to 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 restrictions.
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