Federal Register #FAA-2026-11805

FAA daily safety checks for AHD MBB-BK 117 C-1 louver box assemblies

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a safety directive for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters; this is a regulatory action, not a procurement opportunity. - Government issuer: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). - OEM: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD), manufacturer of the affected helicopters. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is named as a technical authority. - Affected component: Vapor cycle air cooling system louver box assembly, P/N 117-820014; no purchase quantity is specified. - Required action: Before the first flight each day, operators must pull upward by hand on all four corners of the assembly to check for play. If play is found, approved corrective action is required before further flight; approval may come from the FAA, EASA, or AHD’s EASA Design Organization Approval. - Scope and cost estimate: The FAA estimates nine U.S.-registered helicopters are affected and estimates one work-hour, or $85, for each check. These are compliance estimates, not a contract value.

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 C-1 helicopters. The directive was prompted by a report that a vapor cycle air cooling system louver box assembly detached in flight due to incorrect installation. It requires a play check of the affected assembly before the first flight of each day and, if play is found, corrective actions before further flight. The AD is effective October 26, 2026, and comments are invited by November 23, 2026.

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