AD NUMBER: 2017-13-04

PRODUCT: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (Airbus Helicopters) Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 (including configuration C-2e) and MBB-BK 117 D-2 helicopters.

ACTION: Final Rule.

SUMMARY:  This AD requires replacing the main rotor (M/R) blade vibration absorbers.

This AD was prompted by a report of strong M/R blade vibrations on a Model MBB-BK 117 C-2 helicopter.

These helicopters have been approved by the aviation authority of Germany and are approved for operation in the United States. Pursuant to our bilateral agreement with Germany, EASA, its technical representative, has notified us of the unsafe condition described in the EASA AD.

The FAA is issuing this AD because we evaluated all information provided by EASA and determined the unsafe condition exists and is likely to exist or develop on other helicopters of these same type designs and that air safety and the public interest require adopting the AD requirements as proposed.

The FAA estimate that this AD affects 136 helicopters of U.S. Registry and that labor costs average $85 per work-hour. Based on these estimates, it is expected that modifying the M/R blade vibration absorber spacers and re-identifying the parts require 4 work-hours and parts cost about $1,439, for a total cost of $1,779 per helicopter and $241,944 for the U.S. fleet. The cost of recording the new P/N is minimal.

DATES: This AD is effective July 27, 2017.

FMI: AD