{"id":"F2008L03365","name":"AD/JBK 117/29 - Cyclic Stick - Modification","slug":"ad-jbk-117-29-cyclic-stick-modification","collection":"legislative_instrument","jurisdiction":"commonwealth","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":null,"makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":120282,"registerId":"commonwealth-F2008L03365-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-03","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"Kawasaki BK 117 Series Helicopters","sectionType":"division","heading":"Kawasaki BK 117 Series Helicopters","content":"### Kawasaki BK 117 Series Helicopters\n\n| AD/JBK 117/29 | Cyclic Stick - Modification | 10/2008 |\n| ------------- | --------------------------- | ------- |\n\n| Applicability: | Kawasaki BK 117 C-2 helicopters, serial number (S/N) 4001 through 4003 inclusive, and 4005 through 4013 inclusive.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  |\n| -------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |\n| Requirement:   | 1. Modify the cyclic stick locking/centering device by removing the slide and spring from the cyclic stick cantilever in accordance with Kawasaki Service Bulletin (SB) No. KSB-117-294 dated 9 July 2008, or later JCAB approved revision.2. Amend the Rotorcraft Flight Manual (FLM) by inserting the following note:“Before starting the engines, the cyclic stick must be moved to its neutral position. By folding up the cantilever to the pin, it is possible to move the cyclic stick into its neutral position and to centre it. A locking of the cyclic stick is no longer possible”.This may be accomplished by inserting a copy of this AD into the FLM, or by FLM page(s) supplied by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.Note: JCAB AD TCD-7302-2008 dated 15 July 2008 refers. |\n| Compliance:    | Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD, unless previously accomplished.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 |\n|                | This Airworthiness Directive becomes effective on 25 September 2008.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                |\n| Background:    | There have been several cases reported where take-off was executed with a locked cyclic stick. A locked cyclic stick may lead to loss of control of the helicopter. In order to prevent any further occurrences of inadvertent take-off with a locked cyclic stick. After modification, locking of the cyclic stick is no longer possible. The cyclic stick can only be centered in its neutral position.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           |\n\n![](image.001.png)  \nJames Coyne  \nDelegate of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority\n\n25 July 2008","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"AD/JBK 117/29","sectionType":"part","heading":"AD/JBK 117/29","content":"## AD/JBK 117/29","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"Cyclic Stick - Modification","sectionType":"part","heading":"Cyclic Stick - Modification","content":"## Cyclic Stick - Modification","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"10/2008","sectionType":"part","heading":"10/2008","content":"## 10/2008","sortOrder":3}],"analysis":{"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"Unauthenticated. Configure AI_GATEWAY_API_KEY or use a provider module. Learn more: https://ai-sdk.dev/unauthenticated-ai-gateway","source":"analysis-cron"},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":3,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The AD's scope matches its stated intent in the text: it mandates a specific mechanical change and an FLM note for listed BK117 C‑2 serial numbers to prevent take‑off with a locked cyclic stick. It does not broaden affected types, add recurring inspections, or alter operational limits; it imposes a one‑off modification and documentation change within 30 days (Applicability; Requirement; Compliance; Background)."},"complexity_factors":["Narrow applicability — specific serial numbers only (Applicability)","Single, discrete mechanical modification (remove slide and spring) referencing Kawasaki SB KSB-117-294 (Requirement)","Mandatory short compliance window (30 days) creating scheduling and logistic pressure (Compliance)","Administrative change to Flight Manual required (Requirement)","Reference to JCAB approval for later SB revisions and cross‑reference to JCAB AD — regulatory coordination needed (Requirement; Note)","Safety‑critical consequence for non‑compliance (loss of control risk cited) (Background)"],"plain_english_summary":"Mechanically, this AD requires removing the cyclic stick slide and spring so the stick can no longer be locked, and inserting a note into the Rotorcraft Flight Manual describing the new centring method (Requirement). It applies to Kawasaki BK117 C‑2 helicopters S/N 4001–4003 and 4005–4013 and is intended to prevent inadvertent take‑offs with a locked cyclic stick (Background). The aircraft operator/owner must pay for and implement the modification and FLM change within 30 days (Compliance)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":2,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"This is a standard, targeted Airworthiness Directive addressing a specific mechanical safety defect in a limited fleet. The scope remains precisely limited to the identified hazard (cyclic stick locking) and specified aircraft. No scope creep is evident."},"complexity_factors":["Single, discrete mechanical modification with clear procedural reference (Kawasaki Service Bulletin KSB-117-294)","Only 13 specific aircraft affected by serial number","Two straightforward compliance actions: physical modification + documentation update","Single deadline (30 days from effective date) with no conditional exceptions or alternative compliance methods","No defined terms section, no cross-references to other legislation, no nested conditions","Background explanation is plain-language and directly explains the safety rationale"],"plain_english_summary":"This CASA Airworthiness Directive requires owners/operators of specified Kawasaki BK 117 C‑2 helicopters to modify the cyclic stick to remove its locking mechanism and update the flight manual with a warning. Affecting 13 helicopters and their maintenance teams, the mandatory change—due within 30 days of 25 Sept 2008—eliminates the risk of accidental cyclic lock that can prevent pilot control."}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/ad-jbk-117-29-cyclic-stick-modification","history":"/api/acts/ad-jbk-117-29-cyclic-stick-modification/history","analysis":"/api/acts/ad-jbk-117-29-cyclic-stick-modification/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/ad-jbk-117-29-cyclic-stick-modification/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/ad-jbk-117-29-cyclic-stick-modification/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/ad-jbk-117-29-cyclic-stick-modification/documents"}}