Final rule · 2026-07170

Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters

The FAA is removing Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2026-01-51, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. Emergency AD 2026-01-51 required replacing the upper and lower pitch rod end bearings on the pitch rods of the main rotor with new pitch rod end bearings and reporting information after accomplishment of the replacement. Emergency AD 2026-01-51 also prohibited installing any affected main rotor lower and upper pitch rod end bearings on any helicopter, unless it is a serviceable part. The FAA issued Emergency AD 2026-01-51 to address the structural failure of the main rotor lower and upper pitch rod end bearings. Since the FAA issued Emergency AD 2026-01-51, the manufacturer determined the failure of the main rotor pitch rod end was caused by an inadequate maintenance procedure and that the airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition and therefore no AD is warranted. The FAA concurs and removes Emergency AD 2026-01-51.