<RULE>
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
<SUBAGY>Federal Aviation Administration</SUBAGY>
<CFR>14 CFR Part 39</CFR>
<DEPDOC>[Docket No. FAA-2026-0731; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01864-R; Amendment 39-23248; AD 2026-02-12]</DEPDOC>
<RIN>RIN 2120-AA64</RIN>
<SUBJECT>Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters</SUBJECT>
<HD SOURCE="HED">AGENCY:</HD>
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
<HD SOURCE="HED">ACTION:</HD>
Final rule; request for comments.
<SUM>
<HD SOURCE="HED">SUMMARY:</HD>
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Model MBB-BK117 D-3 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of excessive wear on the bearing bolts, installed on the swashplate, connecting the cardan ring and the control ring assembly. This AD requires initial and repetitive inspections of the swashplate for vertical and radial play and, depending on the results of the inspections, corrective actions. This AD also prohibits installing any affected bolt unless the bolts are new or certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
</SUM>
<EFFDATE>
<HD SOURCE="HED">DATES:</HD>
This AD is effective February 17, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of February 17, 2026.
The FAA must receive comments on this AD by March 16, 2026.
</EFFDATE>
<HD SOURCE="HED">ADDRESSES:</HD>
You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
•
<E T="03">Federal eRulemaking Portal:</E>
Go to
<E T="03">regulations.gov.</E>
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
•
<E T="03">Fax:</E>
(202) 493-2251.
•
<E T="03">Mail:</E>
U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jers
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