AD 2026-04451
Published 2026-03-06 · 1 model · 15 US-registered tails affected · Federal Register
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Federal Register ↗
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 the main rotor pitch rod rupturing during flight. This AD requires inspecting the upper and lower pitch rod end bearings on the pitch rods of the main rotor and depending on the results, corrective actions. This AD also requires reporting the results of the inspection. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Applicability · by US fleet size
- AIRBUS HELICOPTERS H160-B 15 tails
Federal Register text
Verbatim; the Federal Register publication is the legally binding document. Cite: 91 FR 10965. View on Federal Register ↗
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 44 (Friday, March 6, 2026)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 10965-10968] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 2026-04451]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2288; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00079-R; Amendment 39-23281; AD 2026-05-08] RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule; request for comments.
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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 the main rotor pitch rod rupturing during flight. This AD requires inspecting the upper and lower pitch rod end bearings on the pitch rods of the main rotor and depending on the results, corrective actions. This AD also requires reporting the results of the inspection. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective March 23, 2026. The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of March 23, 2026. The FAA must receive comments on this AD by April 20, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Fax: (202) 493-2251. Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2026-2288; 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 street address for Docket Operations is listed above. 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 this 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-2026-2288.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Evan Weaver, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316) 946-4152; email: [email protected].