Rotors Flight Control — Horizontal Control Rods Bolts — Replacement
- Published
- Effective
- Deadline
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of MBB-BK117 D-3 and D-3m helicopters must identify if affected bolts are installed and replace them with serviceable bolts within 880 flight hours or 13 months from 12 December 2022. Installation of affected bolts is prohibited from the effective date. Maintenance teams should follow Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 D-3-67A-002 for replacement instructions.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2022-0228 is an airworthiness directive addressing the replacement of horizontal control rod bolts on MBB-BK117 D-3 and D-3m helicopters. The directive applies to bolts with Part Number D671M7051211 that were not subjected to dye penetrant crack inspection during manufacturing. It mandates the replacement of these affected bolts to ensure continued safe operation of the helicopters.
What changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces a mandatory replacement of affected horizontal control rod bolts on MBB-BK117 D-3 and D-3m helicopters. It prohibits the installation of any affected bolts from the effective date and requires replacement within 880 flight hours or 13 months for helicopters with affected bolts installed. The directive is based on Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117 D-3-67A-002.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because the affected bolts were not inspected for cracks during manufacturing, posing a risk of bolt failure and potential loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply to maintain airworthiness and ensure flight safety. Compliance helps prevent in-service failures and regulatory non-compliance.
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