Rule2026-06622
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
April 6, 2026
Effective
May 11, 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 leak on a gas cylinder within the emergency life raft system (ELRS) container assembly due to geometrical gaps between the burst disk and the valve body. This AD requires replacing the ELRS container assembly and prohibits installing an affected ELRS container assembly unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 65 (Monday, April 6, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 65 (Monday, April 6, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 17141-17143]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-06622]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-0008; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01103-R;
Amendment 39-23304; AD 2026-07-09]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
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 leak on a gas cylinder within the emergency life raft
system (ELRS) container assembly due to geometrical gaps between the
burst disk and the valve body. This AD requires replacing the ELRS
container assembly and prohibits installing an affected ELRS container
assembly unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this
AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective May 11, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of May 11,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0008; 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#afeeebdcefcacedcce81cadaddc0dfce81cada"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="edaca99ead888c9e8cc388989f829d8cc38898">[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-2026-0008.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Matthew Williams, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (316) 946-4134; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#b9d4d8cdcdd1dcce97cd97ced0d5d5d0d8d4caf9dfd8d897ded6cf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f895998c8c909d8fd68cd68f9194949199958bb89e9999d69f978e">[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 January 9, 2026 (91 FR 929). The NPRM was prompted by EASA
AD 2025-0130R1, dated June 16, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0130R1) (also
referred to as the MCAI) issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Union. EASA AD 2025-0130R1 states
that an occurrence was reported of a leak on a gas cylinder within the
ELRS container assembly. Subsequent investigation revealed that this
leakage was due to geometrical gaps between the burst disk and the
valve body. EASA AD 2025-0130R1 specifies procedures for replacement of
an affected ELRS container assembly and prohibits the installation of
affected ELRS container assembly unless certain requirements are met.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacing the ELRS
container assembly. The FAA also proposed to prohibit installing an
affected ELRS container assembly unless certain requirements are met.
The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-0008.
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 2025-0130R1, which specifies procedures to
replace the ELRS container assembly having Airbus left-hand part number
(P/N) U256A80A1005 or right-hand P/N U256A80A1006 with a serviceable
ELRS container assembly and sending an affected ELRS container assembly
to a Safran Aerosystems repair facility for further corrective actions.
EASA AD 2025-0130R1 also prohibits installing an affected ELRS
container assembly on any helicopter 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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI specifies sending the affected ELRS container assembly to
a Safran Aerosystems repair facility, whereas this AD allows sending
the affected ELRS container assembly to a Safran Aerosystems repair
facility or an FAA-approved repair facility
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:
[[Page 17142]]
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace ELRS container assembly.... 2 work-hours x $85 per no definitive data on $170 $1,530
hour = $170. cost of affected part
or shipment of part.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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:
2026-07-09 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23304; Docket No. FAA-
2026-0008; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01103-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective May 11, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 2564, Life Raft.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report of a leak on a gas cylinder
within the emergency life raft system (ELRS) container assembly due
to geometrical gaps between the burst disk and the valve body. The
FAA is issuing this AD to address the leakage of the gas cylinder
within the ELRS container assembly. The unsafe condition, if not
addressed, could result in the failure of the release of the life
rafts during an emergency landing on water and consequently prevent
a timely egress from the helicopter, which could result in injury to
helicopter occupants.
(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
2025-0130R1, dated June 16, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0130R1).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0130R1
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0130R1 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0130R1 refers to flight hours (FH), this
AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0130R1
specifies to send the affected ELRS container assembly to a Safran
Aerosystems repair facility, this AD allows operators to send the
affected ELRS container assembly to Safran Aerosystems repair
facility or an FAA-approved repair facility.
(4) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0130R1.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0130R1
specifies to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD
does not require this action.
(j) Special Flight Permit
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199, provided there are no flights over water.
(k) 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 (l) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#de9f93919d9eb8bfbff0b9b1a8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b6f7fbf9f5f6d0d7d798d1d9c0">[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.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Matthew Williams,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4134; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f09d918484989587de84de87999c9c99919d83b0969191de979f86"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="234e4257574b46540d570d544a4f4f4a424e50634542420d444c55">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) 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 2025-0130R1,
dated June 16, 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#cf8e8bbc8faaaebcaee1aababda0bfaee1aaba"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="2d6c695e6d484c5e4c0348585f425d4c034858">[email protected]</span></a>;
[[Page 17143]]
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#472135692e2934372224332e2829072926352669202831"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="7117035f181f0201141205181e1f311f1003105f161e07">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on March 30, 2026.
Christopher R. Parker,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-06622 Filed 4-3-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on April 6, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.