Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-21917 · Main rotor mast/swashplate
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-2 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 and MBB- BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by report that a collective bellcrank-K was found incorrectly installed on a helicopter. This AD requires inspecting the collective bellcrank-K to determine if it is correctly installed and has a correct position marking and, depending on the findings, applicable corrective actions, as specified in a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. This AD also allows installation of an affected collective bellcrank-K, provided certain instructions are followed. 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 2021-0074, dated March 15, 2021 (EASA AD 2021-0074).
(1) Where EASA AD 2021-0074 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(2) Where EASA AD 2021-0074 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(3) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0074 specifies discarding a part, this AD requires removing that part from service.
(4) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0074 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters for instructions to rework a bellcrank-K, the rework must be accomplished using 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.
(5) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0074 specifies to “forecast the compliance time of Part IV and schedule the accomplishment accordingly,” for clarification, this AD requires doing the correction of the position marking of the bellcrank-K at the time specified in paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2021-0074.
(6) Where the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0074 specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters if there is mechanical damage or corrosion on the bushings of the bellcrank assembly, this AD does not require that action.
(7) This AD does not mandate compliance with the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2021-0074.
Although the service information referenced in EASA AD 2021-0074 specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not include that requirement.
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.
