Rule2026-05100
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
March 16, 2026
Effective
April 20, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of a tail rotor drive rear shaft that came into contact with its rear damper during a flight test. This AD requires repetitive visual inspections of the rear damper and, depending on the results, corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 50 (Monday, March 16, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 50 (Monday, March 16, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 12499-12501]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-05100]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5033; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00795-R;
Amendment 39-23286; AD 2026-05-13]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This AD was prompted by a
report of a tail rotor drive rear shaft that came into contact with its
rear damper during a flight test. This AD requires repetitive visual
inspections of the rear damper and, depending on the results,
corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective April 20, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of April 20,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5033; 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 final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (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#d79693a497b2b6a4b6f9b2a2a5b8a7b6f9b2a2"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b8f9fccbf8ddd9cbd996ddcdcad7c8d996ddcd">[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-2025-5033.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Hein, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316)
946-4116; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#523336333f7c3a373b3c123433337c353d24"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="761712171b581e131f183610171758111900">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters
Model H160-B helicopters. The NPRM was published in the Federal
Register on November 28, 2025 (90 FR 54591). The NPRM was prompted by
EASA AD 2025-0098, dated April 29, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0098) (also
referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI advises of a
report that the tail rotor drive rear shaft of the tail drive line had
come in contact with its rear damper during a flight test. This contact
is expected only when the helicopter is on the ground, during
transition phases of either accelerating (ramp up) or decelerating
(ramp-down), when passing the shaft critical mode.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require repetitive visual
inspections of the rear damper and, depending on the results,
corrective actions. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect and correct
the tail rotor drive rear shaft contacting the rear damper during
flight, which if not corrected, could result in degradation of the rear
damper and its support, loss of the rear damper function, failure of
the tail rotor drive rear shaft, and consequent loss of yaw control of
the helicopter.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5033.
[[Page 12500]]
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
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 reviewed the relevant
data, considered any comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2025-0098, which specifies procedures for
repetitive visual inspections of the two radii in the top area of the
rear damper, the hard chrome oxide deposit on the friction bush located
under the rear damper, and the rear damper supports for cracks and
loose or missing fasteners and, depending on the results, performing
further inspections, replacing the rear damper, or contacting the
manufacturer for further corrective actions. 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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
Where the MCAI specifies contacting Airbus Helicopters for repair
instructions, this AD requires using a method approved by the FAA,
EASA, or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects nine helicopters of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
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Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Visual inspection of rear damper......... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour $0 $85 $765
= $85.
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The FAA estimates the following costs to do any replacements that
would be required based on the results of the inspection. The agency
has no way of determining the number of helicopters that might need
these replacements:
On-Condition Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
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Replace rear damper........................ 8 work-hours x $85 per hour = $680 $22,647 $23,327
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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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska and
(3) Will 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 Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:
2026-05-13 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23286; Docket No. FAA-
2025-5033; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-00795-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 20, 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 6510, Tail Rotor
Drive Shaft.
[[Page 12501]]
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a tail rotor drive rear
shaft of the tail drive line coming into contact with its rear
damper during a flight test. The FAA is issuing this AD to detect
and correct the tail rotor drive rear shaft contacting the rear
damper during flight. The unsafe condition, if not addressed, could
result in degradation of the rear damper and its support, loss of
the rear damper function, failure of the tail rotor drive rear
shaft, and consequent loss of yaw control of the helicopter.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all
required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD
2025-0098, dated April 29, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0098).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0098
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0098 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0098 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2025-0098 specifies
contacting AH (Airbus Helicopters) to obtain approved instructions,
this AD requires actions done in accordance with a method approved
by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or
Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If
approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized
signature.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0098.
(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#1455595b57547275753a737b62"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="87c6cac8c4c7e1e6e6a9e0e8f1">[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 Adam Hein, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (316) 946-4116; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#34555055591a5c515d5a745255551a535b42"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="c8a9aca9a5e6a0ada1a688aea9a9e6afa7be">[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 2025-0098,
dated April 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#7130350231141002105f1404031e01105f1404"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a4b4e794a6f6b796b246f7f78657a6b246f7f">[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#9ff9edb1f6f1eceffafcebf6f0f1dff1feedfeb1f8f0e9"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ee889cc087809d9e8b8d9a878180ae808f9c8fc0898198">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 10, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-05100 Filed 3-13-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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