Rule2026-11178
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
June 4, 2026
Effective
July 9, 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 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 AD requires performing a functional test of the PLB and inspecting the rope connection to the ELRS. Depending on the results of the functional test, this AD requires 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 AD also prohibits the installation of a certain part- numbered PLB and the rope connection to the ELRS, unless certain requirements are met. 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 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33600-33602]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-11178]
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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;
Amendment 39-23363; AD 2026-11-02]
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
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 AD requires performing a functional test of the PLB and
inspecting the rope connection to the ELRS. Depending on the results of
the functional test, this AD requires 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 AD also prohibits the installation of a certain part-
numbered PLB and the rope connection to the ELRS, unless certain
requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe
condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 9, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of July 9,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
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 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#93d2d7e0d3f6f2e0f2bdf6e6e1fce3f2bdf6e6"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="19585d6a597c786a78377c6c6b766978377c6c">[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, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway,
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#4231362734272c6c306c352330352b2129022423236c252d34"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="4132352437242f6f336f3620333628222a012720206f262e37">[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 February 23, 2026 (91 FR 8393). The NPRM was prompted by
EASA AD 2025-0162, dated July 29, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0162) (also
referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Union. 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.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require performing a functional
test of the PLB and inspecting the rope connection to the ELRS.
Depending on the results of the functional test, the FAA proposed to
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. The FAA also
proposed to prohibit the installation of a certain part-numbered PLB
and the rope connection to the ELRS, 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-2026-1337.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received one comment on the NPRM from an individual
commenter. The commenter supported the NPRM without change.
Additional Changes Made to This AD
In the NPRM, the FAA incorrectly referenced EASA AD 2025-0165 in
the Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0162 paragraph (paragraph (h)(2) of the
proposed AD).
Accordingly, the FAA has revised paragraph (h)(2) of the Exceptions
to EASA AD 2025-0162 paragraph of this AD to reference EASA AD 2025-
0162.
Further, the FAA incorrectly designated paragraph (i) of the
proposed AD as the Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs) paragraph.
Accordingly, the FAA has revised the Alternative Methods of Compliance
(AMOCs) paragraph to designate it as paragraph (j). The FAA has also
redesignated subsequent paragraphs accordingly.
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, and any other changes described previously,
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 2025-0162, 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,
[[Page 33601]]
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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, affects 12 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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Perform functional test of each PLB... 1 work-hour x $85 per $0 $85 $1,020
hour = $85.
Inspect the wrist strap............... 1 work-hour x $85 per 0 85 1,020
hour = $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
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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Cost per
Action Labor cost Parts cost product
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Replace battery pack.......................... 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 $2,173 $2,258
Replace a PLB................................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 5,393 5,478
Attach wrist strap correctly.................. 1 work-hour x $85 per hour = $85 0 85
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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:
2026-11-02 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23363; Docket No. FAA-
2026-1337; Project Identifier MCAI-2025-01289-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 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-
[[Page 33602]]
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 2025-0162 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.
(j) 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 (k) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#f4b5b9bbb7b4929595da939b82"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="37767a78747751565619505841">[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.
(k) 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#2c5f58495a4942025e025b4d5e5b454f476c4a4d4d024b435a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1d6e69786b7873336f336a7c6f6a747e765d7b7c7c337a726b">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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#7d3c390e3d181c0e1c5318080f120d1c531808"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0b4a4f784b6e6a786a256e7e79647b6a256e7e">[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, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway,
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#f89e8ad691968b889d9b8c919796b896998a99d69f978e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="88eefaa6e1e6fbf8edebfce1e7e6c8e6e9fae9a6efe7fe">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on May 19, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-11178 Filed 6-3-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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