Federal Register #AD 2026-10-20

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Airbus Helicopters and Airplanes – Swashplate and PLB Inspections

This opportunity summary covers new airworthiness directives issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for Airbus helicopters and airplanes: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEMs Highlighted: - Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) - Airbus SAS - Products/Services Requested: - One-time inspection and possible corrective actions for swashplates (P/N D623M2050102) on Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters - Functional test and rope connection inspection for Personal Locator Beacon (PLB, P/N U256M30T1001) on emergency life-raft systems - Notable Requirements: - Compliance with EASA AD 2025-0029 and EASA AD 2025-0162 - Prohibition on installation of affected swashplates unless requirements are met - Inspections and corrective actions are required to address excessive in-flight vibrations and safety issues - Applies to all operators of the specified Airbus helicopter and airplane models - No specific purchase quantities or recurring services are listed, as this is a regulatory safety action rather than a procurement for goods or services

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of excessive vibrations in-flight due to an incorrect installation of the angular ball bearing of the control ring assembly. It requires a one-time inspection of the affected swashplates and, depending on the inspection results, corrective actions. The AD prohibits the installation of an affected swashplate on a helicopter unless certain requirements are met, addressing an unsafe condition on these products.

View original listing