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, ( printed 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:

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.

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.

The Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: