AD 2021-10-15 Requires A Modification Of The Outboard Load System

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters.

This AD was prompted by a determination that a life limit for the adapter forward (FWD) of the outboard load system, repetitive inspections of other components of that system, and for certain helicopters, a modification of the outboard load system, are necessary to address the unsafe condition. This AD requires a modification of the outboard load system for certain helicopters, repetitive inspections of the outboard load system and its components for any defect (including cracking, damage, corrosion, and incorrect installation) and applicable corrective actions, and implementation of a new life limit for the FWD adapter, as specified in a European Aviation Safety Agency (now European Union Aviation Safety Agency) (EASA) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. This AD is effective July 1, 2021.

Supplementary Information: The EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the European Union, has issued EASA AD 2017-0177, dated September 14, 2017 (EASA AD 2017-0177) (also referred to as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information, or the MCAI), to correct an unsafe condition for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopters, except the Model C-2e variant, and all Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters.

EASA's Model MBB-BK 117 C-2e variant helicopters are not a unique model on the U.S. type certificate but are considered a configuration of the Model MBB-BK117 C-2. The U.S. type certificate data sheet explains that the FAA determined that the type design changes involved did not rise to the level that required an FAA amended type certificate. However, the FAA does recognize that helicopters with these type design changes exist, therefore the designation Model MBB-BK117 C-2(e) is used, starting from Serial Number 9601. The Model MBB-BK117 C-2(e) is a visual flight rules only configuration of the Model MBB-BK117 C-2 utilizing a Garmin 500H flight display system.

The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14 CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 and Model MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters, except the Model MBB-BK117 C-2(e) configuration. The NPRM published in the Federal Register on March 11, 2021 (86 FR 13830). The NPRM was prompted by a determination that a life limit for the adapter FWD of the outboard load system, repetitive inspections of other components of that system, and for certain helicopters, a modification of the outboard load system, are necessary to address the unsafe condition. The NPRM proposed to require a modification of the outboard load system for certain helicopters, repetitive inspections of the outboard load system and its components for any defect (including cracking, damage, corrosion, and incorrect installation) and applicable corrective actions, and implementation of a new life limit for the FWD adapter, as specified in an EASA AD.

The FAA is issuing this AD to address detachment of an external load or person from the helicopter hoist, resulting in personal injury, or injury to persons on the ground. See the MCAI for additional background information.

FMI: www.regulations.gov