# Federal Register #FAA-2026-11812

FAA proposes fuel-system and cargo-hook-beam safety changes for Airbus MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters

**Buyer:** Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), U.S. Department of Transportation
**Posted:** October 15, 2026
**Respond By:** December 01, 2026
**Identifier:** FAA-2026-11812

The FAA proposes a safety directive for Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, not a purchase solicitation.
- **Government buyer:** U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
- **OEM:** **Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)**; the affected aircraft are Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters.
- **Safety concern:** An installed common cargo hook beam (CCHB) could damage the fuel system, causing fuel leakage and potentially a fire after a survivable accident. The FAA estimates 28 U.S.-registered helicopters are affected.
- **Proposed compliance actions:** Modify the fuel system; install four improved fuel pump cartridges per helicopter; and modify the helicopter to install or retrofit a CCHB and add structural reinforcement. The attachment lists both installing a new CCHB and retrofitting a CCHB as actions.
- **Part restriction:** Installation of an affected CCHB, including part number L851M1301101, would be prohibited.
- **Related authority:** The proposal references European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0153 and its compliance procedures.
- **Procurement status:** No products or services are being solicited for purchase; no contract value, procurement quantity, or performance period is specified.

### Description

The FAA proposes a new airworthiness directive covering all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters. Certification test results indicated that an installed common cargo hook beam could cause fuel leakage following a survivable accident, potentially leading to a fire. The proposed directive would require modification of the cargo hook beam and fuel system and installation of structural reinforcement, and would prohibit installing a certain cargo hook beam on any helicopter. Comments are due by November 30, 2026.

[View original listing](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/15/2026-21123/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters-deutschland-gmbh-ahd-helicopters)