Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23159 · Air conditioning system
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model 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 Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 and MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of airspeed and altitude indication errors. This AD requires revising the existing rotorcraft flight manual supplement (RFMS) for the helicopter, replacing the air conditioning system (ACS) condenser outlet grids with ACS condenser outlet covers, and prohibiting the installation of ACS condenser outlet grids. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
(1) 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 AD 2023-0175, dated October 5, 2023 (EASA AD 2023-0175).
(2) The owner/operator (pilot) holding at least a private pilot certificate may revise the existing Rotorcraft Flight Manual for the helicopter and must enter compliance with this requirement into the helicopter maintenance records in accordance with 14 CFR 43.9(a) and 14 CFR 91.417(a)(2)(v). The record must be maintained as required by 14 CFR 91.417, 121.380, or 135.439.
(1) Where EASA AD 2023-0175 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2023-0175 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0175 states “by incorporating the air conditioning system (ACS) rotorcraft flight manual supplement (RFMS) altitude correction procedure, as defined in appendix 1 of this AD”, this AD requires replacing that text with “by incorporating the ACS RFMS altitude correction procedure, as defined in appendix 1 of this AD, into the Limitations section and by adding a visual flight rules (VFR) only restriction to the procedure”.
(4) Where paragraph (1) of EASA AD 2023-0175 specifies to inform all flight crews, and operate the helicopter accordingly, this AD does not require those actions as those actions are already required by existing FAA operating regulations (see 14 CFR 91.505 and 14 CFR 135.21).
(5) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2023-0175 states “which includes the same content as the ACS RFMS altitude correction procedure”, this AD requires replacing that text with “which includes information identical to the information in the ACS RFMS altitude correction procedure, as defined in appendix 1 of this AD”.
(6) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2023-0175.
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2023-0175 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.
