FAA Orders One-Time Helicopter Shaft Crack Checks
Published Date: 7/1/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants owners of certain MD Helicopters models to check their main transmission drive shaft couplings for cracks. If cracks are found, the couplings must be replaced to keep flights safe. Comments on this plan are open until August 17, 2026, and the inspection is a one-time fix that helps avoid costly repairs or accidents later.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Replacement required if cracks or later
If the inspection finds any cracks in the coupling spline, you must remove the affected coupling before further flight and replace it; if no cracks are found, you still must replace the affected coupling within 300 hours TIS after the AD effective date. The FAA estimates replacement labor as 2 work-hours ($170) and parts at $1,681 per coupling, for a cost per replacement of up to $3,532.
Fleet size and FAA cost estimates
The FAA estimates this proposed AD would affect 568 U.S.-registered helicopters. The estimated inspection cost is $85 per helicopter (total $48,280 across the U.S. fleet), and the FAA notes replacement costs on-condition could be up to $3,532 per helicopter; some costs may be covered under warranty. Comments on the proposal are due by August 17, 2026.
One-time mandatory coupling inspection
If you own or operate an MD Helicopters Model 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, or 500N with coupling P/N 369H5660 (serial numbers 8564-0001 through 8564-0308), you must do a one-time visual inspection of the main transmission drive shaft coupling within 50 hours time-in-service (TIS) or 6 months after the AD effective date, whichever comes first, using a bright light and 10X magnification.
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