2026-22373·DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Airworthiness Directives; MD Helicopters, LLC Helicopters

Proposed RuleComment Period OpenComments open

Published: Nov 3, 2026
Comments close: Dec 18, 2026
Citation: 91 FR 69225
Docket: Docket No. FAA-2026-11819, Project Identifier AD-2025-01199-R
Agencies: DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION, Federal Aviation Administration

Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proposing a new airworthiness directive that would replace an older rule (AD 90‑19‑02) covering certain MD Helicopters models equipped with cargo hooks. The FAA has found that the original directive did not address all helicopter variants that share the same unsafe condition—a problem with the overrunning clutch and sprag assemblies that can lead to component failure. The new proposal expands the list of affected models, requires the removal of defective clutch assemblies, mandates the installation of approved replacement parts, and calls for updated identification markings. For some helicopters, the FAA also wants the manufacturers’ maintenance manuals and inspection programs revised to reflect the new safety requirements. The rule is being issued by the Department of Transportation’s FAA and applies to owners, operators, and maintenance organizations of MD Helicopters, LLC aircraft that are type‑certified under the former McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company, specifically Model 369 series helicopters (including variants 369, 369A, 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, and 369HS) that have a cargo hook installed. The proposed directive was published on November 3, 2026, and comments must be received by December 18, 2026. After the comment period closes, the FAA will review the feedback and, if it proceeds, will issue a final rule that sets the compliance dates for the required inspections, part replacements, and manual updates. Operators will then need to follow the new requirements to keep their helicopters airworthy.

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Official abstract

The FAA proposes to supersede Airworthiness Directive (AD) 90- 19-02, which applies to all MD Helicopters, LLC (type certificate previously held by McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Company) Model 369, 369A, 369D, 369E, 369F, 369FF, 369H, 369HE, 369HM, and 369HS, helicopters, that are equipped with a cargo hook. AD 90-19-02 requires replacing the overrunning clutch assembly and sprag assembly with airworthy parts and repetitively inspecting the sprag assembly, clutch inner and outer races of the overrunning clutch assembly. Since the FAA issued AD 90-19-02, after further analysis the FAA determined that additional helicopter models are affected by this unsafe condition. This proposed AD would expand the applicability and would require removing certain overrunning clutch assemblies and certain overrunning clutch subassemblies from service, installing or replacing parts, and reidentifying certain overrunning clutch assemblies, as applicable. This proposed AD would also require for certain model helicopters, revising the Airworthiness Limitations Section (ALS) of the existing aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) or instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) and the existing approved maintenance or inspection program, as applicable. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.