Federal Register #FAA20255394

FAA Proposed Airworthiness Directive for CH-47D Helicopter Transmission Support Beam Fittings

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), under the Department of Transportation, is proposing an Airworthiness Directive (AD) for all restricted category Model CH-47D helicopters to address safety concerns related to fatigue cracking in the right-hand (RH) forward transmission support beam fittings. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - Office: West Certification Branch - OEMs and Vendors: - No specific OEMs are named; the directive applies to all restricted category Model CH-47D helicopters - Products/Services Requested: - Visual inspection of RH forward transmission support beam fittings (any part number) for cracks - Inspection must use 7X or higher magnification and a light source - Area of inspection: right butt line 18 from station 76 to 95, from top cap to lower termination of fitting - Quantity: 42 helicopters - Reporting of previous repairs and replaced fittings - Submit detailed information including serial numbers, design data, substantiation, and sourcing - Quantity: 42 helicopters - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Applies to all RH forward transmission support beam fittings, regardless of part number - Initial inspection required within 30 hours time in service (TIS), with repetitive inspections every 100 hours TIS - Reporting of previous repairs and replacements required within 60 days - FAA approval required for special flight permits - Estimated labor costs: $170 per inspection, $425 per reporting event per helicopter - Affects 42 helicopters of U.S. registry - Public comments on the proposed directive are requested

Description

The FAA is revising a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that would have applied to all restricted category Model CH-47D helicopters. This proposed action revises the NPRM by expanding the required actions paragraph applicable to all right-hand (RH) forward transmission support beam fittings with any part number, narrowing the area of inspection, and increasing the reporting requirement compliance times. The FAA is proposing this airworthiness directive (AD) to address an unsafe condition on these helicopters. Comments on this supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking (SNPRM) must be received by August 24, 2026.

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