FAA拟对空客直升机MBB-BK 117 D-2发布适航指令：货钩梁事故后可能漏油起火，仅涉美国28架

[4910-13-P]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-11812; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01222-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD)
Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters.
This proposed AD was prompted by certification test results of a certain common cargo
hook beam (CCHB) on the affected helicopters, which revealed that the installed CCHB
could result in fuel leakage following a survivable accident. This proposed AD would
require modification of the CCHB and fuel system and installation of structural
reinforcement. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing a certain CCHB on any
helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by [INSERT DATE 45 DAYS
AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL REGISTER].
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43
and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for
submitting comments.
• Fax: (202) 493-2251.

• Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West
Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
• Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA2026-11812; or in person at Docket Operations between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD docket contains this NPRM, the
mandatory continuing airworthiness information (MCAI), any comments received, and
other information. The street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
• For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material identified in
this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany;
phone: +49 221 8999 000; email: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You
may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
• You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Promita Dey, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316)
946-4106; email: promita.dey@faa.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or arguments about
this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed under ADDRESSES. Include
“Docket No. FAA-2026-11812; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01222-R” at the beginning

of your comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include supporting data.
The FAA will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend this
proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in the following
paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR 11.35, the FAA will post all
comments received, without change, to regulations.gov, including any personal
information you provide. The agency will also post a report summarizing each
substantive verbal contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily and actually
treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C.
552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM
contain commercial or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it is
important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI. Please mark each
page of your submission containing CBI as “PROPIN.” The FAA will treat such marked
submissions as confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Promita Dey,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590.
Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically designated as CBI will
be placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European
Union, has issued EASA AD 2025-0153, dated July 18, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0153)
(also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition on all AHD Model MBB-

BK117 D-2 helicopters, all variants. The MCAI states that certification testing of the
CCHB installation on AHD Model MBB-BK117 D-3 and D-3m helicopters revealed that
a survivable accident could result in fuel leakage. The MCAI further states that, due to
design similarity, AHD Model MBB-BK117 D-2 helicopters, all variants, could also be
affected by the same unsafe condition.
This condition, if not addressed, could lead to fuel leakage and a possible fire
after a survivable accident involving a helicopter with a certain CCHB installed.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket
No. FAA-2026-11812.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0153, which specifies procedures for
modification of the CCHB and the fuel system and installation of structural
reinforcement. EASA AD 2025-0153 also specifies that, as an alternative to the
modification, operation of a helicopter with an affected CCHB part number
L851M1301101 installed is prohibited.
Additionally, EASA AD 2025-0153 specifies procedures to modify the helicopter
by installing an improved cargo hook weighing system concurrently with the
modification. EASA AD 2025-0153 also specifies that installation of an affected CCHB
on any helicopter is prohibited.
This material is reasonably available because the interested parties have access to
it through their normal course of business or by the means identified in the ADDRESSES
section.
FAA’s Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority (CAA) of
another country and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to the
FAA’s bilateral agreement with this State of Design Authority, that authority has notified

the FAA of the unsafe condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is
issuing this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described previously is
likely to exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in this NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified in EASA
AD 2025-0153, described previously, as incorporated by reference, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA’s ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD process, the
FAA developed a process to use some CAA ADs as the primary source of information
for compliance with requirements for corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been
coordinating this process with manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, the FAA proposes
to incorporate EASA AD 2025-0153 by reference in the FAA final rule. This proposed
AD would, therefore, require compliance with EASA AD 2025-0153 in its entirety
through that incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in the
regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are the same as the
heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2025-0153 does not mean that operators
need comply only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to “all
required actions and compliance times,” compliance with this AD requirement is not
limited to the section titled “Required Action(s) and Compliance Time(s)” in EASA AD
2025-0153. Material required by EASA AD 2025-0153 for compliance will be available
at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-11812 after the FAA final rule is
published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would affect 28
helicopters of U.S. registry.

The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:
Estimated costs
Action

Labor Cost

Modify the fuel 75 work-hours
system
x $85 per hour
= $6,375
Install
4 work-hours x
improved fuel
$85 per hour =
pump cartridge $340
(4 per
helicopter)
Modify
Up to 11 workhelicopter
hours x $85 per
Install new
hour = $935
CCHB
Modify
Up to 30 workhelicopter
hours x $85 per
retrofit CCHB hour = $2,550

Parts Cost
$18,625

Cost per
product
$25,000

Cost on U.S.
operators
$700,000

$32,909

$33,249

$930,972

$228,985

Up to $229,920 Up to
$6,437,760

$10,636

Up to $13,186

Up to $369,208

Authority for this Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA’s authority to issue rules on
aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the authority of the FAA Administrator.
Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, describes in more detail the scope of the Agency’s
authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in Subtitle VII,
Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements. Under that section, Congress
charges the FAA with promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by
prescribing regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds
necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that authority
because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to exist or develop on products
identified in this rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not have a
substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed regulation:
(1) Is not a “significant regulatory action” under Executive Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or negative, on a
substantial number of small entities under the criteria of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA
proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39 - AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13 [Amended]
2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive:
Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD): Docket No. FAA-2026-11812; Project
Identifier MCAI-2025-01222-R.

(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive (AD) by
[INSERT DATE 45 DAYS AFTER DATE OF PUBLICATION IN THE FEDERAL
REGISTER].
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model
MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2500, Cabin
equipment/furnishings.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by certification test results of the installation of a certain
common cargo hook beam (CCHB) identifying that the installed CCHB could result in
fuel leakage following a survivable accident. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent
possible fuel leakage. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could lead to fuel leakage
and a possible fire after a survivable accident involving a helicopter equipped with a
certain CCHB.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply with all required
actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with, European Union
Aviation Safety Agency AD 2025-0153, dated July 18, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0153).

(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0153
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0153 refers to its effective date, this AD requires
using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0153 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this
AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0153 specifies “discard”,
this AD requires replacing that text with “remove from service”.
(4) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0153 specifies “check”, this
AD requires replacing that text with “inspect”.
(5) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2025-0153.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0153 specifies to submit
information to the manufacturer, this AD does not require that action.
(j) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the authority to
approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information directly to the
manager of the International Validation Branch, send it to the attention of the person
identified in paragraph (k) of this AD and email to: AMOC@faa.gov.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate principal
inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight standards
district office/certificate holding district office.

(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Promita Dey, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316)
946-4106; email: promita.dey@faa.gov.
(l) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference
of the material listed in this paragraph under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions required by this AD,
unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0153, dated July
18, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA, Konrad-AdenauerUfer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the
EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness Products Section,
Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For
information on the availability of this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and Records
Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA,
visit www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email
fr.inspection@nara.gov.

Issued on October 13, 2026.

Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division,
Aircraft Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-21123 Filed: 10/14/2026 8:45 am; Publication Date: 10/15/2026]