Proposed Rule2026-03576
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
February 23, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of a fully discharged personal locator beacon (PLB) battery installed on an emergency life-raft system (ELRS), as well as a report where the ropes connecting the two ELRS to the PLB were not correctly attached. This proposed AD would require performing a functional test of the PLB and inspecting the rope connection to the ELRS. Depending on the results of the functional test, this proposed AD would require performing the functional test again or replacing affected parts, and depending on the results of the rope inspection, correctly attaching the wrist strap of the PLB to the ELRS rope. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of a certain part- numbered PLB and the rope connection to the ELRS, unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8393-8395]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-03576]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-1337; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01289-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by reports of a fully discharged personal locator beacon
(PLB) battery installed on an emergency life-raft system (ELRS), as
well as a report where the ropes connecting the two ELRS to the PLB
were not correctly attached. This proposed AD would require performing
a functional test of the PLB and inspecting the rope connection to the
ELRS. Depending on the results of the functional test, this proposed AD
would require performing the functional test again or replacing
affected parts, and depending on the results of the rope inspection,
correctly attaching the wrist strap of the PLB to the ELRS rope. This
proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of a certain part-
numbered PLB and the rope connection to the ELRS, unless certain
requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the
unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by April 9, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-1337; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this proposed AD, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#ffbebb8cbf9a9e8c9ed19a8a8d908f9ed19a8a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bdfcf9cefdd8dccedc93d8c8cfd2cddc93d8c8">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA
material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2026-1337.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Steven Warwick, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA,1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (817) 222-5225; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#26755243504348087408714754514f454d6640474708414950"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="5506213023303b7b077b023427223c363e153334347b323a23">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2026-1337;
Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01289-R'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your
[[Page 8394]]
comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually
treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to this NPRM, it
is important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI.
Please mark each page of your submission containing CBI as ``PROPIN.''
The FAA will treat such marked submissions as confidential under the
FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public docket of this NPRM.
Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Steven Warwick, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA,1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not specifically
designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for this
rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2025-0162, dated July 29, 2025 (EASA
AD 2025-0162) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition on Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. The MCAI
states there have been reports of a fully discharged PLB battery that
is installed on the ELRS. The MCAI further states an occurrence was
reported where the connecting rope between the two ELRS and the PLB was
not attached correctly. The FAA is proposing this AD to prevent
operational failure of the PLB. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in delayed arrival of the rescue services and timely
medical assistance to injured crew members or passengers during an
emergency use of the life-raft.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-1337.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0162, which specifies procedures for
inspecting PLB part number (P/N) U256M30T1001, with manufacturer P/N
500-32-2Y-H and the connecting rope between the PLB and the ELRS and,
depending on the results of this inspection, performing a functional
test up to five times or replacing the PLB battery pack with a new
battery pack; and if necessary, correctly connecting the rope attached
to the ELRS. EASA AD 2025-0162 also prohibits installing an affected
PLB or the rope between an affected PLB and ELRS unless certain
requirements are met.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
(CAA) of another country and are approved for operation in the United
States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI referenced above. The FAA is issuing
this NPRM after determining that the unsafe condition described
previously is likely to exist or develop on other products of the same
type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2025-0162, described previously, except for any differences
identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some CAA ADs as the primary
source of information for compliance with requirements for
corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with
manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, EASA AD 2025-0162 is incorporated
by reference in this AD. This AD requires compliance with EASA AD 2025-
0162 in its entirety through that incorporation, except for any
differences identified as exceptions in the regulatory text of this AD.
Using common terms that are the same as the heading of a particular
section in EASA AD 2025-0162 does not mean that operators need comply
only with that section. For example, where the AD requirement refers to
``all required actions and compliance times,'' compliance with this AD
requirement is not limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s)
and Compliance Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2025-0162. Material required by
EASA AD 2025-0162 for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>
under Docket No. FAA-2026-1337 after this AD is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 12 helicopters of U.S. registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this proposed
AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Perform functional test of each PLB...... 1 work-hours x $85 per hour $0 $85 $1,020
= $85.
Inspect the wrist strap.................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour 0 85 1,020
= $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements or
corrections that would be required based on the results of the proposed
inspection. The agency has no way of determining the number of
helicopters that might need these replacements or corrections.
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replace battery pack........................ 1 work-hours x $85 per hour = $2,173 $2,258
$85.
Replace a PLB............................... 1 work-hours x $85 per hour = 5,393 5,478
$85.
Attach wrist strap correctly................ 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = 0 85
$85.
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[[Page 8395]]
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2026-1337; Project Identifier
MCAI-2025-01289-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by April 9, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2562, Emergency
Locator Beacon.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of a fully discharged personal
locator beacon (PLB) battery installed on an emergency life-raft
system (ELRS), as well as a report where the ropes connecting the
two ELRS to the PLB were not correctly attached. The FAA is issuing
this AD to prevent operational failure of the PLB. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in delayed arrival of
rescue services and timely medical assistance to injured crew
members or passengers during an emergency use of the life-raft.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2025-0162, dated July 29, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0162).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0162
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0162 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0165 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0162 specifies
a ``new'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``new (never
installed) part''.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0162.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0162 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(i) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (j) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c88985878b88aea9a9e6afa7be"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b4f5f9fbf7f4d2d5d59ad3dbc2">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding
district office.
(j) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Steven Warwick,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA,1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-5225; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cb98bfaebdaea5e599e59caab9bca2a8a08badaaaae5aca4bd"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fba88f9e8d9e95d5a9d5ac9a898c929890bb9d9a9ad59c948d">[email protected]</span></a>.
(k) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0162,
dated July 29, 2025.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#df9e9bac9fbabeacbef1baaaadb0afbef1baaa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="57161324173236243679322225382736793222">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#264054084f4855564345524f4948664847544708414950"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7513075b1c1b06051016011c1a1b351b1407145b121a03">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on February 19, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-03576 Filed 2-20-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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