Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23248 · Main rotor mast/swashplate
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK117 D-3 helicopters.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of excessive wear on the bearing bolts, installed on the swashplate, connecting the cardan ring and the control ring assembly. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of the swashplate for vertical and radial play and, depending on the results of the inspections, corrective actions. This AD also prohibits installing any affected bolt unless the bolts are new or certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
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 Emergency AD 2025-0298-E, dated December 23, 2025 (EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E).
(1) Where EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E uses the term “new”, this AD requires replacing that term with “new (zero hours time-in-service)”.
(4) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E.
Although the material referenced in EASA Emergency AD 2025-0298-E specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require any of these actions.
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.
