Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

[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 [www.gpo.gov]
[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 regulations.gov 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: [email protected]; 
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 
regulations.gov 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: [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 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 regulations.gov 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     Cost per      Cost on U.S.
                Action                         Labor cost           Parts cost        product        operators
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                                     Cost per
                    Action                                 Labor cost               Parts cost        product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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: [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.

(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: 
[email protected].

(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: [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, 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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email [email protected].

    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]
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