Helicopter Life Rafts Leaking? FAA Says Swap That Gas Cylinder Now!
Published Date: 1/9/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or operate an Airbus H160-B helicopter, heads up! The FAA wants you to replace the emergency life raft system’s gas cylinder container because it might leak due to a design gap. You can’t install the old part anymore unless it meets new safety rules, and comments on this proposal are open until February 23, 2026. This fix keeps everyone safer without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory ELRS Container Replacement
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B, the FAA proposes you must replace the emergency life raft system (ELRS) container assembly because a gas cylinder may leak. The FAA estimates it would affect nine U.S.-registered helicopters and shows a labor estimate of 2 work-hours x $85/hour = $170 per helicopter (parts and shipment cost of the affected part are listed as no definitive data).
Installation of Affected Parts Prohibited
The proposed rule would prohibit installing an affected ELRS container assembly on any H160-B helicopter unless certain requirements are met per the incorporated EASA AD 2025-0130R1. This means operators and maintenance providers cannot fit the old assemblies unless they meet the specified conditions.
Repair Options Expanded to FAA Facilities
Unlike the EASA rule, this FAA proposal lets operators send affected ELRS container assemblies to a Safran Aerosystems repair facility or to an FAA-approved repair facility. That gives U.S. operators an additional approved repair option in the U.S. system.
FAA Waives EASA Reporting Requirement
Although the EASA AD asks operators to submit certain information to the manufacturer, the FAA's proposed AD explicitly does not require that reporting. Operators do not have to send the manufacturer the information specified in the EASA material to comply with the FAA AD.
Special Flight Permits Limited Over-Water Flights
The proposed AD allows special flight permits in accordance with 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 only if there are no flights over water. That means you may be permitted to fly the helicopter for repositioning or maintenance, but you cannot fly it over water under special permit.
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