Rule2026-01878
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
January 30, 2026
Effective
February 17, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
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.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 20 (Friday, January 30, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 20 (Friday, January 30, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 4006-4009]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-01878]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0731; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01864-R;
Amendment 39-23248; AD 2026-02-12]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH
(AHD) Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: 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.
DATES: This AD is effective February 17, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 17,
2026.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 16, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
[[Page 4007]]
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0731; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668
Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#7f3e3b0c3f1a1e0c1e511a0a0d100f1e511a0a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7e3f3a0d3e1b1f0d1f501b0b0c110e1f501b0b">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA
website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-0731.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Warwick, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-5225; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#becdcadbc8dbd090cc90c9dfccc9d7ddd5fed8dfdf90d9d1c8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1261667764777c3c603c657360657b7179527473733c757d64">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written data, views, or arguments
about this final rule. Send your comments using a method listed under
ADDRESSES. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-0731; Project Identifier MCAI-
2025-01864-R'' at the beginning of your comments. The most helpful
comments reference a specific portion of the final rule, explain the
reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data. The FAA
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend
this final rule because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this final rule.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this AD contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this AD, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this AD. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Steven
Warwick, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E, dated
December 23, 2025 (EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E) (also referred to as
the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on AHD Model MBB-BK117 D-3
and D-3m helicopters. The MCAI states that there was a report of
excessive wear on the bearing bolts connecting the cardan ring and the
control ring assembly discovered during maintenance. The MCAI further
states that investigations are still ongoing and therefore repetitive
inspections of the swashplate are necessary. Accordingly, EASA
considers this MCAI an interim action and further action may follow.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent failure of the bearing bolts,
which could result in loss of control of the helicopter.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0731.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E, which specifies
procedures for inspecting the swashplates for vertical and radial play
and depending on the inspection results, replacing any affected bolts.
EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E, also prohibits installing any affected
bolt on any helicopter unless it is new or certain requirements have
been met.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another country and are approved for operation in the United States.
Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of Design
Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe condition
described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing this AD
after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
AD Requirements
This AD requires accomplishing the actions specified in EASA
Emergency AD 2025-0298-E, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this AD. See ``Differences Between this AD and the
MCAI'' for a discussion of the general differences included in this AD.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI applies to AHD Model MBB-BK117 D-3m helicopters, whereas
this AD does not because that model does not have an FAA type
certificate.
Interim Action
The FAA considers that this AD is an interim action. If final
action is later identified, the FAA may consider further rulemaking
action.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some CAA ADs as the primary
source of information for compliance with requirements for
corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with
manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E is
incorporated by reference in this AD. This AD requires compliance with
EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E in its entirety through that
incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in
the regulatory text of this AD. Using common terms that are the
[[Page 4008]]
same as the heading of a particular section in EASA Emergency AD 2025-
0298-E does not mean that operators need comply only with that section.
For example, where the AD requirement refers to ``all required actions
and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD requirement is not
limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)'' in EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E. Material required by EASA
Emergency AD 2025-0298-E for compliance will be available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-0731 after this AD is
published.
Justification for Immediate Adoption and Determination of the Effective
Date
Section 553(b) of the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) (5 U.S.C.
551 et seq.) authorizes agencies to dispense with notice and comment
procedures for rules when the agency, for ``good cause,'' finds that
those procedures are ``impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest.'' Under this section, an agency, upon finding good
cause, may issue a final rule without providing notice and seeking
comment prior to issuance. Further, section 553(d) of the APA
authorizes agencies to make rules effective in less than thirty days,
upon a finding of good cause.
An unsafe condition exists that requires the immediate adoption of
this AD without providing an opportunity for public comments prior to
adoption. The FAA has found that the risk to the flying public
justifies forgoing notice and comment prior to adoption of this rule
because the swashplate is part of an assembly that is critical to the
flight control of a helicopter, such that if failure occurs in the
affected part, loss of control of a helicopter could occur. The FAA has
no information pertaining to the extent of fatigue of the affected
component that may currently exist in helicopters or how quickly the
condition may propagate to failure. The initial compliance requirement
for the swashplate inspection mandates completion within 830 hours
time-in-service (TIS) since new accumulated by the bearing bolt, or
within 10 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever
occurs later. If the TIS since new of the bolt is unknown, the TIS
since new of the swashplate must be used instead. An estimated 16
helicopters have already exceeded the 830 hours TIS threshold.
Consequently, these helicopters are subject to the 10-hour compliance
timeframe, which is shorter than the time necessary for the public to
comment and for publication of the final rule. Accordingly, notice and
opportunity for prior public comment are impracticable and contrary to
the public interest pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553(b).
In addition, the FAA finds that good cause exists pursuant to 5
U.S.C. 553(d) for making this amendment effective in less than 30 days,
for the same reasons the FAA found good cause to forgo notice and
comment.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) do not
apply when an agency finds good cause pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 553 to adopt
a rule without prior notice and comment. Because the FAA has determined
that it has good cause to adopt this rule without prior notice and
comment, RFA analysis is not required.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 55 helicopters of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Inspect swashplate....................... 3 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $255 $14,025
= $255.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements that
would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency
has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need
these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replace bearing bolt......................... 30 work-hours x $85 per hour = $700 $3,250
$2,550.
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Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will not have a substantial direct effect on the States,
on the relationship between the national government and the States, or
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various
levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866, and
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
[[Page 4009]]
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
2026-02-12 Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Amendment 39-
23248; Docket No. FAA-2026-0731; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01864-
R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective February 17,
2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Model MBB-BK117 D-3 helicopters.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 6230, Main Rotor
Mast/Swashplate.
(e) Unsafe Condition
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. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the bearing bolts. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could lead to loss of control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency Emergency AD
2025-0298-E, dated December 23, 2025 (EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-
E).
(h) Exceptions to EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E
(1) Where EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E refers to its effective
date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E requires compliance in
terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E uses the term ``new'',
this AD requires replacing that term with ``new (zero hours time-in-
service)''.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA
Emergency AD 2025-0298-E.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-
E specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this
AD does not require any of these actions.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (k) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4d0c00020e0d2b2c2c632a223b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="90d1dddfd3d0f6f1f1bef7ffe6">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Steven Warwick,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5225; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#9fecebfae9faf1b1edb1e8feede8f6fcf4dff9fefeb1f8f0e9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6d1e19081b0803431f431a0c1f1a040e062d0b0c0c430a021b">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD
2025-0298-E, dated December 23, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6e2f2a1d2e0b0f1d0f400b1b1c011e0f400b1b"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3b7a7f487b5e5a485a155e4e49544b5a155e4e">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#98feeab6f1f6ebe8fdfbecf1f7f6d8f6f9eaf9b6fff7ee"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0167732f686f7271646275686e6f416f6073602f666e77">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on January 22, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-01878 Filed 1-29-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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