Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21914 · Engine air intake system
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2, MBB-BK 117 D-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2, MBB-BK 117 D-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of engine flame out following prolonged operations in falling snow on helicopters with an inlet barrier filter (IBF) system installed. This AD requires revising the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual (RFM) for your helicopter, 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.
Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Emergency AD 2021-0289-E, dated December 23, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0289-E).
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0289-E defines Retrofit SB, replace the text “AH Service Bulletin (SB) MBB-BK117 C-2-71-005, SB MBB-BK117 D-2-71-001 and SB MBB-BK117 D-3-71-001, as applicable, installing the IBF system,” with “AH Service Bulletin (SB) MBB-BK117 C-2-71-005 and SB MBB-BK117 D-2-71-001, as applicable, installing the IBF system; and for Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters, in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature.”
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0289-E requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where EASA AD 2021-0289-E refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2021-0289-E specifies to “inform all flight crews, and, thereafter, operate the helicopter accordingly,” this AD does not require those actions.
(5) The action required by paragraphs (1) and (2) of EASA AD 2021-0289-E may be performed by the owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate and must be entered into the aircraft records showing compliance with this AD in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a)(1) through (4) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417 or 135.439.
(6) This AD does not mandate compliance with the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0289-E.
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.
