Airworthiness Directive | FAA | Airbus Helicopters H160-B Published: June 7, 2026 | Last Updated: June 2026 | Source: Federal Register, FAA Docket FAA-2026-11178
Quick Summary
The FAA adopted a new airworthiness directive for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters, effective June 2026.
This followed reports of a fully discharged personal locator beacon (PLB) battery in an emergency life-raft system (ELRS), and of ropes connecting the ELRS to the PLB being incorrectly attached.
The AD requires operators to perform a functional test of the PLB and inspect the rope connections between the ELRS and PLB before further flight.
Quick Facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Authority | FAA |
| Federal Register | June 4, 2026 |
| Applies To | All Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B |
| Prompted By | Discharged PLB battery and incorrect ELRS-to-PLB rope attachment reports |
| Required Actions | Functional test of PLB; inspection of rope connection to ELRS |
| Operational Risk | Non-functional emergency location equipment in overwater/offshore operations |
| Primary Concern | Safety of life during emergency overwater ditching events |
What Changed
This AD establishes mandatory immediate corrective action requirements that were not previously required under the H160-B’s existing maintenance program.
Required actions:
- PLB Functional Test: Operators must perform a functional test of the personal locator beacon installed on the H160-B’s emergency life-raft system to verify it operates as designed
- Rope Connection Inspection: Operators must inspect the rope connections linking the two ELRS units to the PLB to confirm they are correctly attached per design specifications
- On-Condition Actions: If the PLB fails the functional test or rope connections are found to be incorrectly attached, operators must take corrective action before further flight
The MCAI (Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information) was issued by EASA as the State of Design authority. The FAA adopted corresponding action for US-registered H160-B operators under the bilateral agreement.
Why the AD Was Issued
Two separate safety reports prompted this directive:
Report 1 — Discharged PLB Battery: A PLB battery installed on an H160-B’s ELRS was found fully discharged during a routine check. A non-functional PLB in an offshore or overwater emergency would prevent the aircraft from transmitting an emergency distress signal to search and rescue services — directly threatening the survival of crew and passengers following a ditching.
Report 2 — Incorrectly Attached ELRS Ropes: The ropes connecting two ELRS units to the PLB were found not correctly attached. This could result in the PLB and life-raft system separating during deployment, rendering the ELRS non-functional in an emergency.
The H160-B is widely used in offshore oil and gas support — one of the highest-risk rotary-wing operating environments. Emergency equipment integrity is a primary safety-of-life requirement in this role.
Who Is Affected
Offshore Helicopter Operators: Operators flying H160-B helicopters on offshore oil and gas support missions are at highest risk from this defect. Emergency equipment functionality is critical in this operating environment.
Coast Guard and SAR Operators: Government and military operators using the H160-B for search-and-rescue or coast guard missions must comply immediately.
Corporate and Charter Operators: Any corporate or charter operator that routinely conducts overwater flights in an H160-B must treat this as a pre-flight compliance requirement.
All H160-B Operators Globally: The EASA-origin MCAI means equivalent directives apply across EASA member states. All H160-B operators globally should verify their national authority’s corresponding AD status.
Compliance Timeline
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| EASA MCAI issued (source directive) | Prior to June 4, 2026 |
| FAA AD published in Federal Register | June 4, 2026 |
| Required Actions | Before further overwater flight |
Operational Impact
The operational impact is immediate and focused:
- Pre-flight or pre-mission PLB tests must be incorporated into flight operations procedures for all H160-B operations involving overwater flight
- Maintenance organizations must inspect and document ELRS rope connections at the next maintenance opportunity
- Aircraft found with discharged PLBs or incorrect ELRS connections must be grounded from overwater operations until corrective action is completed and documented
- Operators should review PLB battery replacement schedules to prevent recurrence
Official Sources
- Federal Register — FAA AD for Airbus Helicopters H160-B, Docket FAA-2026-11178
- EASA Airworthiness Directive (MCAI) — available via EASA AD Tool at ad.easa.europa.eu
- FAA Airworthiness Directives — 14 CFR Part 39
Action Steps
- Immediate: Perform PLB functional test on all H160-B aircraft prior to next overwater operation
- Immediate: Inspect ELRS-to-PLB rope connections on all H160-B aircraft
- Ground if non-compliant: Do not conduct overwater operations until PLB test is passed and rope connections are confirmed correct
- Update maintenance program: Incorporate PLB functional test and ELRS rope inspection into recurring maintenance checks
- Document all findings: Record test results and inspection findings in aircraft technical records
- Non-US operators: Verify equivalent EASA or national authority AD status and compliance requirements
FAA Airbus H160-B Helicopter Airworthiness Directive 2026: FAQs
What is a PLB and why is it critical on the H160-B?
A personal locator beacon (PLB) is an emergency distress-signal transmitter that activates when an aircraft ditches in the water. It enables search-and-rescue services to locate survivors. On offshore helicopters like the H160-B, a functioning PLB is a primary survival tool.
What is the ELRS?
The Emergency Life-Raft System (ELRS) is the helicopter’s water survival equipment, consisting of deployable life rafts. The PLB is connected to the ELRS so it deploys and activates automatically in a ditching event.
Does this AD apply to all H160 variants?
This AD applies specifically to the H160-B model. Operators of other H160 variants should verify applicability with Airbus Helicopters or their national aviation authority.
What if the PLB fails the functional test?
The aircraft must not conduct overwater operations until the PLB is replaced or repaired and retested. The corrective action must be completed and documented before return to overwater service.
Related Updates
- FAA Issues AD for Boeing 737 Classic Fuselage Crack Inspection — Effective June 17, 2026
- FAA Issues AD for Airbus A330 Family Structural Unsafe Condition — Effective June 8, 2026
- EASA Easy Access Rules for Continuing Airworthiness — June 2026 Revision
- Offshore Helicopter Safety Regulations: EASA and FAA Standards Overview
Editorial Note: This article is based on the FAA airworthiness directive published in the Federal Register under Docket FAA-2025-2552 (effective June 8, 2026) and EASA AD 2026-0073. Specific maintenance program revision requirements are defined in the Airbus Airworthiness Limitations Section referenced in the source EASA AD. Operators should obtain and review the complete directive text and referenced Airbus documentation before taking maintenance action. Researched and reviewed using official FAA Federal Register publications and EASA AD documentation.