More MD Helicopters must now be inspected for a known defect

The US aviation regulator is expanding an existing order for helicopter inspections. More models of MD Helicopters must now have their torque tube assemblies checked for defects.

This is a small but concrete expansion of an existing safety mandate. It means more helicopter owners and operators will incur costs for inspections and potential repairs. The FAA found that the problem was more widespread than initially thought, affecting additional models of helicopters.