The eRulemaking Program
04/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/06/2026 13:24
Airworthiness Directives: Airbus Helicopters
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 regulations.gov 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:
• 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: [email protected]; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
• 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 regulations.gov 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: [email protected] .
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 regulations.gov 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:
Estimated Costs
| Action | Labor cost | Parts cost | Cost per product | Cost on U.S. operators |
| Replace ELRS container assembly | 2 work-hours × $85 per hour = $170 | no definitive data on cost of affected part or shipment of part | $170 | $1,530 |
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
Regulatory Text
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority:
49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
§ 39.13
[Amended]
Regulatory Text
2. The FAA amends § 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: [email protected].
(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: [email protected].
(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: [email protected]; 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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].
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
The eRulemaking Program published this content on April 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 06, 2026 at 19:25 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]