Proposed rule · 2026-03576

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This proposed 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 proposed AD would require performing a functional test of the PLB and inspecting the rope connection to the ELRS. Depending on the results of the functional test, this proposed AD would 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. This proposed AD would also prohibit the installation of a certain part- numbered PLB and the rope connection to the ELRS, unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.