Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Published Date: 2/2/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own or operate an Airbus H160-B helicopter, listen up! The FAA found a serious problem where a key rotor part can break mid-flight, so they’re requiring you to swap out certain pitch rod bearings with new, safer ones by February 17, 2026. This fix keeps flights safe and stops faulty parts from being used again. You’ll also need to report once the replacement is done, and the FAA wants your feedback by March 19, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory bearing replacement by Feb 17
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B, you must replace the upper and lower main rotor pitch rod end bearings with new, serviceable parts. This AD is effective February 17, 2026, and also prohibits installing any affected main rotor lower and upper pitch rod end bearings on any helicopter unless the part is serviceable. The FAA will accept comments on the AD until March 19, 2026.
Substantial per-helicopter compliance cost
The FAA estimates this AD affects 13 U.S.-registered H160-B helicopters. Estimated cost to replace the upper and lower pitch rod end bearings is up to $135,250 per helicopter (labor: 8 work-hours × $85/hour = $680; parts: up to $134,570). The FAA estimates total cost on U.S. operators up to $1,758,250.
Operational limits, TIS threshold, and flight rules
The FAA identified a significant risk for helicopters with affected parts that have exceeded 160 hours time-in-service (TIS). Given the urgency, the FAA permits only one additional flight of maximum duration 5 hours TIS before mandatory replacement of those parts. Separately, the regulatory text states special flight permits are prohibited.
Mandatory reporting and parts return paperwork
After replacing the pitch rod bearings you must report information and return parts as required by the AD. The FAA estimates reporting will take about 1 hour per response (at $85/hour) and return-of-parts paperwork about 1 hour plus roughly $50 shipping (about $135 per replacement cycle). The Paperwork Reduction Act OMB control number for this collection is 2120-0056 and all responses are mandatory.
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