KAWASAKI BK117 Model Guide
KAWASAKI BK117 · Model Guide
Overview
KAWASAKI BK117 is a turboshaft helicopter family. The registry lists MBB as manufacturer and variants A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, C-1, C-2, D-2 and D-3. The library row calls it a single-engine piston, which conflicts with the registry and the documents, so confirm the exact variant and configuration before you buy.
- Family-level maxima: up to 13 passengers, up to 3600 kg MTOW, up to 350 nm range and up to 135 kt cruise. These are not figures for one variant.
- Approved gross weight depends on variant: 2850 kg original, 3200 kg A-3, 3350 kg B-2. Check which configuration the airframe is actually modified to.
- KSB-117-442 (mandatory) requires repeat main rotor blade thimble inspections: every 100 Fh or 300 Fh, depending on blade sweep angle.
- The BK 117 D-3 flight manual has an EASA-approved inlet barrier filter supplement that prohibits flight in icing.
Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.
Reference only, not for flight. Use the current approved manual for your aircraft. See terms, section 5.
Document
Source
Copy found at sprinkle.com. Sprinkle hosts a reference copy with an added summary, specifications and searchable full text.
Document details
- Type ·
- Model Guide
- Year ·
- 2026
- File size ·
- 49 KB
- Copy found at ·
- sprinkle.com
Specifications & performance
Extracted from this document.
Performance
- Family max range (nm) ·
- 350
- Family max cruise speed (kt) ·
- 135
- Family max service ceiling (ft) ·
- 18,000
How many people can the KAWASAKI BK117 carry?
The registry shows the BK 117 family carrying up to 13 passengers. That is the highest across all variants, not a figure for one helicopter. Confirm seating for the specific variant and fit-out you are buying.
What is the approved weight of the KAWASAKI BK117?
It depends on the variant. The service bulletin index gives 2850 kg for the original, 3200 kg for A-3 and 3350 kg for B-2. The family maximum is up to 3600 kg MTOW. Check the flight manual for the airframe.
What mandatory inspections should I check on a KAWASAKI BK117?
Check compliance with KSB-117-442 on the main rotor blade thimble, repeated every 100 or 300 Fh depending on blade sweep angle. Also check the logbook and Main Rotor Blade Log Card entries that the bulletin requires.
Is the KAWASAKI BK117 a piston aircraft?
The library row says single-engine piston, but the registry lists turboshaft propulsion and the documents refer to one-engine-inoperative (OEI) operation. Treat the piston entry as unreliable and verify the engine type from the aircraft records.
What is the KAWASAKI BK117 Model Guide?
The KAWASAKI BK117 Model Guide is a model guide for the KAWASAKI BK117, dated 2026.
What year was the KAWASAKI BK117 Model Guide published?
The KAWASAKI BK117 Model Guide — the KAWASAKI BK117 model guide on file — is dated 2026.
Common. More common than 94% of the aircraft models we track.
Most owners only have the POH. Here's the essential set for the KAWASAKI BK117.
- Pilot's Operating Handbook / AFM
- Checklist
- Maintenance Manual
- Parts Catalog (IPC)
- Systems & Wiring
- Service Bulletins on file
- Type Certificate (TCDS)
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In this document
Variants and weight configuration
The service bulletin index lists upgrade paths between configurations. KSB-117-020 takes a 2850 kg helicopter to A-3 at 3200 kg. KSB-117-041 takes it to A-4. KSB-117-057A takes an A-4 to B-1. KSB-117-102 takes a B-1 to B-2 at 3350 kg. Ask for logbook proof of which modifications were done.
Main rotor blade thimble inspection (KSB-117-442)
This mandatory bulletin covers BK117, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2 and C-1, for blades with serial numbers up to 4729. Blades with 1° sweep need repeat inspections every 100 Fh (tolerance 10 Fh). Blades with 0° sweep need them every 300 Fh (tolerance 30 Fh). Each inspection means removing the blade. Check the Main Rotor Blade Log Card and logbook for entries.
D-3 inlet barrier filter limits
Per Temporary Revision 1 to the BK 117 D-3 flight manual (Dec 2021), the minimum air temperature is -25C with a bypass door closed and -45C with both open. Maximum is ISA +35C (max +50C). Select the filter to NORM before engine start if snow is possible. Hovering in blowing snow for longer than 1 minute is prohibited.
Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.
Safety notes
- Flight in icing or ice crystal conditions is prohibited in the BK 117 D-3 inlet barrier filter supplement.
- If the IBF CLOG TREND advisory appears (40% clogging), use the degraded-filter performance charts and continue flight.
- Flight in falling snow or sleet is prohibited when visibility from it is under 1500 m. Vacate without delay if you enter it inadvertently.
Summary written by AI from the source document. Check the original before relying on it. See which parts of Sprinkle are written by AI.
Full document text
KAWASAKI BK117 Model Guide KAWASAKI BK117 is a turboshaft helicopter family. The registry lists MBB as manufacturer and variants A-1, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2, C-1, C-2, D-2 and D-3. The library row calls it a single-engine piston, which conflicts with the registry and the documents, so confirm the exact variant and configuration before you buy. • Family-level maxima: up to 13 passengers, up to 3600 kg MTOW, up to 350 nm range and up to 135 kt cruise. These are not figures for one variant. • Approved gross weight depends on variant: 2850 kg original, 3200 kg A-3, 3350 kg B-2. Check which configuration the airframe is actually modified to. • KSB-117-442 (mandatory) requires repeat main rotor blade thimble inspections: every 100 Fh or 300 Fh, depending on blade sweep angle. • The BK 117 D-3 flight manual has an EASA-approved inlet barrier filter supplement that prohibits flight in icing. Variants and weight configuration The service bulletin index lists upgrade paths between configurations. KSB-117-020 takes a 2850 kg helicopter to A-3 at 3200 kg. KSB-117-041 takes it to A-4. KSB-117-057A takes an A-4 to B-1. KSB-117-102 takes a B-1 to B-2 at 3350 kg. Ask for logbook proof of which modifications were done. Main rotor blade thimble inspection (KSB-117-442) This mandatory bulletin covers BK117, A-3, A-4, B-1, B-2 and C-1, for blades with serial numbers up to 4729. Blades with 1° sweep need repeat inspections every 100 Fh (tolerance 10 Fh). Blades with 0° sweep need them every 300 Fh (tolerance 30 Fh). Each inspection means removing the blade. Check the Main Rotor Blade Log Card and logbook for entries. D-3 inlet barrier filter limits Per Temporary Revision 1 to the BK 117 D-3 flight manual (Dec 2021), the minimum air temperature is -25C with a bypass door closed and -45C with both open. Maximum is ISA +35C (max +50C). Select the filter to NORM before engine start if snow is possible. Hovering in blowing snow for longer than 1 minute is prohibited. Safety notes: • Flight in icing or ice crystal conditions is prohibited in the BK 117 D-3 inlet barrier filter supplement. • If the IBF CLOG TREND advisory appears (40% clogging), use the degraded-filter performance charts and continue flight. • Flight in falling snow or sleet is prohibited when visibility from it is under 1500 m. Vacate without delay if you enter it inadvertently.