Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-22326 · Main rotor system
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO-105S, BO-105LS A-1, BO-105LS A-3 (including those modified by Supplemental Type Certificate SR00043RD), MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, MBB-BK 117 C-1, MBB-BK 117 C-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
Note 1 to paragraph (c): Helicopters with an MBB-BK117 C-2e designation are Model MBB-BK117 C-2 helicopters.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model BO-105A, BO-105C, BO- 105S, BO-105LS A-1, BO-105LS A-3, MBB-BK 117 A-1, MBB-BK 117 A-3, MBB- BK 117 A-4, MBB-BK 117 B-1, MBB-BK 117 B-2, MBB-BK 117 C-1, MBB-BK 117 C-2, and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a missing main rotor swashplate (swashplate) inner ring (inner ring). This AD requires inspecting for the presence of the inner ring and, depending on the results, accomplishing additional actions. This AD also prohibits installing an affected swashplate unless it is determined that the inner ring is installed, 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 Emergency AD 2023-0006-E, dated January 12, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0006-E).
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0006-E refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0006-E specifies that a pilot may check for installation of the inner ring on the swashplate, this AD requires that inspection to be accomplished by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
(3) Where the service information referenced in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0006-E and where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0006-E specify contacting AH [Airbus Helicopters] to obtain further instructions or approved instructions, this AD requires actions done in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, General Aviation & Rotorcraft Section, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH's EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. As an option, you may accomplish the actions identified in paragraphs (h)(3)(i) and (ii) of this AD.
(i) Before further flight, replace the affected swashplate.
(ii) At the applicable compliance time identified in paragraph (h)(3)(ii)(A) or (B) of this AD, report the inspection results and describe in detail any other findings, along with the helicopter model and serial number, swashplate part number, and the following text: “EASB BO105-40A-110, BO105LS-40A-15, BO105 LS A-3-STC-0654/3058-40A-3, MBB-BK117-40A-118, MBB-BK117-62-32-0001” by email to support.technical-bulletins.ahd@airbus.com.
(A) If the inspection in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0006-E was done on or after the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after completing paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0006-E.
(B) If the inspection in paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0006-E was done before the effective date of this AD: Submit the report within 10 days after the effective date of this AD.
(4) This AD does not adopt the Remarks paragraph of EASA AD 2023-0006-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.
