Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21603 · Main rotor control
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK117 C-2 and MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK117 C-2 and MBB- BK117 D-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of increased control force in the collective axis. This AD requires repetitive visual inspections of the main rotor actuator (MRA), as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2020-0257, dated November 17, 2020 (EASA AD 2020-0257).
(1) Where EASA AD 2020-0257 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where Note 1 of EASA AD 2020-0257 specifies a tolerance of 3 months may be applied to the initial threshold and to the repetitive inspection interval, this AD does not allow this tolerance.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0257 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters, this AD requires performing the corrective action in accordance with FAA-approved procedures.
(4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2020-0257 specifies an alternative method to comply with the requirements of paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2020-0257 by replacing an affected part, this AD requires removing an affected part from service as an alternative method.
(5) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2020-0257 specifies a compliance time for the initial inspection of “before an affected part exceeds 12 months since new, or since last overhaul, or within 3 months after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later” and repetitive inspections at intervals not to exceed 12 months, this AD requires a compliance time for the initial inspection of before an affected part exceeds 319 total hours time-in-service (TIS), or within 319 hours TIS after the date of the last overhaul, or within 80 hours TIS after the effective date of this AD, whichever occurs later, and repetitive inspections at intervals not to exceed 319 hours TIS.
(6) Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2020-0257 does not specify a compliance time for the reporting requirement, this AD requires the reporting action to be performed within 30 days after accomplishing each inspection and determining that there is a crack, damage, black coloration, or corrosion.
(7) The “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2020-0257 does not apply to this AD.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
