FAA Tightens Checks on Aging CH-47D Transmission Beams
Published Date: 7/8/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or operate a restricted category CH-47D helicopter, the FAA wants you to check and report on certain parts of the right-hand forward transmission support beam to keep things safe. They’ve updated the rules to focus inspections more narrowly and give you more time to report findings. Comments on these changes are open until August 24, 2026, and following them helps avoid costly repairs or safety issues down the line.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory RH Beam Inspections Every 100 Hours
If you own or operate a restricted-category CH-47D helicopter, you must inspect the right-hand forward transmission support beam fitting within 30 hours time-in-service (TIS) after the AD’s effective date and then every 100 hours TIS. The inspection must be a visual check using 7X or higher magnification and a light source at right butt line (RBL) 18 from station (STA) 76 to STA 95, and any crack found must be repaired or the part replaced before further flight.
New Reporting Requirement: 60-Day Submission
If fittings were repaired or replaced before the AD’s effective date, you must submit specific information about those repairs or replacements within 60 days after the AD’s effective date. The FAA estimates public reporting for this collection takes about 5 hours per response.
FAA Cost Estimates: Per-Helicopter and Aggregate
The FAA estimates the AD would affect 42 U.S.-registered CH-47D helicopters. It estimates inspection labor at 2 work-hours × $85/hour = $170 per helicopter and reporting at 5 work-hours × $85/hour = $425 per helicopter, for aggregate costs to U.S. operators of $7,140 (inspections) and $17,850 (reporting).
Applicability Expanded to All Part Numbers
The proposed AD now applies to the RH forward transmission support beam fitting regardless of part number (any part number), not just the previously identified dash number. This expands the population of fittings and helicopters that must follow the inspection and reporting rules.
Special Flight Permits Restricted Without Approval
Special flight permits to ferry affected CH-47D helicopters are not allowed unless approved through the FAA’s AMOC procedures. Operators may request approval under paragraph (i)(1) but cannot rely on unrestricted ferry flights for relocation to repair facilities.
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