The FAA has issued a new airworthiness directive requiring replacement of certain bolts installed on the horizontal control rods of the flight controls that were not dye penetrant inspected for cracks during manufacturing, to prevent bolt failure and possible loss of helicopter control.

Aircraft Applicability: This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK117 D-3 helicopters, certificated in any category.

Effective Date: April 30, 2026.

View the full AD:

• Federal Register Final Rule
• regulations.gov Docket FAA-2025-5040
• FAA Dynamic Regulatory System (DRS) – search for AD 2026-06-04

Stay updated on rotorcraft airworthiness directives—check our Rotorcraft Network and AD Summaries archive for future posts on Airbus, Bell, Sikorsky, and other models.