# Proposed AD FAA-2025-2540: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters

- Type: Proposed airworthiness directive (not in force)
- Status: Became AD 2026-10-20
- Products: Airbus Helicopters Deutschland
- Product type: Aircraft
- Action: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
- Published: September 15, 2025, 90 FR 44347
- Comments due: October 30, 2025
- Became: [AD 2026-10-20](https://openairdocs.org/ad/2026-10-20)
- Docket: FAA-2025-2540 (https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FAA-2025-2540, where comments are filed)
- Project: MCAI-2025-00158-R
- FR document: 2025-17716
- Official PDF: https://openairdocs.org/files/sha256/08/22/08221c42b34bcf9e374795b91779fc22966f7b7fd33db58432eef563122b7513 (from https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-09-15/pdf/2025-17716.pdf)
- Federal Register: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/15/2025-17716/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters-deutschland-gmbh-helicopters
- FAA DRS: https://drs.faa.gov/browse/excelExternalWindow/FR-ADNPRM-2025-17716-00000000000.0001
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/proposed/FAA-2025-2540

## Summary

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Model MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report of excessive vibrations in-flight due to an incorrect installation of the angular ball bearing of the control ring assembly. This proposed AD would require a one-time inspection of the affected swashplates and, depending on the results of the inspection, corrective actions. This AD would prohibit the installation of an affected swashplate on a helicopter, unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Notices in this docket

- Sep 15, 2025: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM). (first notice), FR document 2025-17716, comments due Oct 30, 2025 (https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/09/15/2025-17716/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters-deutschland-gmbh-helicopters)

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