Airbus helicopters must replace faulty bolts that could cause crashes

US aviation regulators are ordering the replacement of specific bolts on Airbus MBB-BK 117 D-3 helicopters. These bolts were not properly inspected for cracks during manufacturing and could fail during flight.

This rule means every operator of these specific Airbus helicopters must replace certain bolts. It also means they cannot install any of the uninspected bolts in the future. This is a direct safety mandate, not a recommendation.