Federal Register #2026-05885

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Airbus Helicopters MBB-BK 117 D-3 and Diamond Aircraft DA 40 Series

This procurement summary covers the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) airworthiness directives for specific aircraft models:

• Government Buyer

  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation

• OEMs and Vendors

  • Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (primary OEM for MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopter bolts)
  • Diamond Aircraft Industries Inc. (OEM for DA 40 series airplane fuel system parts)

• Products/Services Requested

  • Replacement bolts for Airbus Helicopters MBB-BK 117 D-3 horizontal control rods
  • Part number: D671M7051211
  • Quantity: 146 (affecting 146 helicopters in the U.S. registry)
  • Bolts must be dye penetrant inspected for cracks and eligible for installation per Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin ASB MBB-BK117 D-3-67A-002, Revision 1
  • Replacement and inspection of fuel tank connection hoses and related parts for Diamond Aircraft Industries Model DA 40, DA 40 F, and DA 40 NG airplanes
  • Includes inspection of fuel tank chambers and removal of detached rubber material
  • Compliance with updated service bulletins

• Unique or Notable Requirements

  • Prohibition on installation of affected bolts (D671M7051211) that were not properly inspected
  • Compliance with referenced EASA AD 2022-0228 and Airbus Helicopters service bulletins
  • Diamond Aircraft directive supersedes a previous AD, requiring updated inspection and replacement procedures

• Locations

  • FAA Westbury Office, NY
  • FAA Southwest Region Office, Fort Worth, TX
  • U.S. Department of Transportation Docket Operations, Washington, DC

• Purpose

  • Ensure continued airworthiness and safety by addressing manufacturing inspection omissions that could lead to bolt failure or fuel starvation.

Description

The FAA has issued a final rule airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This AD addresses an unsafe condition caused by certain bolts on the horizontal control rods of the flight controls that were not dye penetrant inspected for cracks during manufacturing, potentially leading to bolt failure. The directive requires replacement of affected bolts with eligible bolts and prohibits installing affected bolts on any helicopter to prevent loss of control. The AD is effective April 30, 2026, and aims to ensure continued airworthiness and safety of these helicopters.

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