Main Rotor Drive – Rotor Hub-Shaft – Inspection
- Published
- Effective
- Replaces
- 2026-0091
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 perform initial and repetitive visual inspections within specified flight hour or calendar time thresholds, followed by eddy current inspections as detailed in the Airbus Helicopters Emergency Alert Service Bulletin MBB-BK117-63-21-0002 issue 003. Any detected discrepancies require immediate part replacement before further flight and reporting to Airbus Helicopters within seven days. Compliance deadlines vary by flight hours and time since manufacture but begin as early as within 15 flight hours or 7 days from the effective date.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0151 is an official safety directive addressing the inspection of the main rotor drive rotor hub-shaft on Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH MBB-BK117 D-3 and D-3m helicopters. The directive mandates visual and eddy current inspections of specific rotor hub-shaft parts (MP/N D623M1501203 and D623M1501204) to detect cracks that could lead to main rotor transmission failure. This AD applies to all serial numbers of the affected helicopter models.
What changed
EASA AD 2026-0151 supersedes the previous AD 2026-0091 and introduces repetitive eddy current inspections alongside the existing visual inspections. It updates compliance times, particularly for helicopters used in hoist operations, and retains all prior inspection requirements while adding new inspection methods to enhance detection of potential cracks in the rotor hub-shaft.
Why it matters
This directive is critical for aviation professionals because undetected cracks in the rotor hub-shaft can cause main rotor transmission failure, risking loss of helicopter control. Operators and maintenance organizations must comply with the updated inspection intervals and methods to ensure continued airworthiness and safety. The AD also affects maintenance planning by requiring additional inspection types and reporting procedures.
More for Airbus Helicopters MBB-BK 117
All 63- EASA PAD 26-121Equipment / Furnishings – System Interface Unit – ReplacementOct 8, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0188Instruments – Warning Unit Emergency Off Switches – Operational CheckSep 30, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-111Landing Gear – Emergency Flotation System Adhesive Label – RemovalSep 22, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0152Air Conditioning – Vapor Cycle Air Conditioning System – InspectionJul 30, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0127Main Rotor – Swashplate – InspectionJun 30, 2026
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