AD NUMBER: 2019-07-07

PRODUCT: Various Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK117 and Model BO-105 helicopters.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY: This AD requires removing the swashplate bellows (bellows) and repetitively inspecting the swashplate assembly.

This AD was prompted by reports of loose and missing clamps installed on bellows.

DATES: This AD is effective May 24, 2019.

COST: The FAA estimates that this AD affects 286 helicopters of U.S. Registry. Operators may incur the following costs in order to comply with this AD:
Labor costs are estimated at an average $85 per work hour.

• Removing and inspecting the swashplate assembly requires 3 work-hours. No parts are needed for a cost of $255 per helicopter and $72,930 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle.
• Repairing a scratched support tube requires 3 work-hours. No parts are needed for a cost of $255 per helicopter.
• Replacing a corroded or damaged clamp requires 2 work-hours. Parts cost $8 for a cost of $178 per helicopter.
• Replacing corroded ball bearings requires 4 work-hours. Parts cost $3,000 for a cost of $3,340 per helicopter.
• Removing foreign objects from the outer deflection ring requires 2 work-hours. No parts are needed for a cost of $170 per helicopter.

FMI: AD