Airbus Helicopters Get New Bearing Checks to Stay Airborne
Published Date: 4/10/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own or work with Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B, listen up! The FAA updated rules to check and fix a key helicopter part called the rotating scissors spherical bearing. Now, inspections happen more often, reporting lasts longer, and you can’t install certain parts unless they meet new safety checks—all to keep flights safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Repetitive inspections required
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B, the FAA now requires repetitive inspections of the rotating scissors spherical bearing. This AD supersedes AD 2024-26-01 and adds repetitive inspections when certain axial play measurements are found.
Installation of affected parts prohibited
The AD prohibits installing an affected rotating scissors spherical bearing on Model H160-B helicopters unless certain requirements are met. The rule references an EASA AD that describes which parts and checks make a bearing allowable for installation.
All serial numbers now covered
The FAA extended the definition of affected parts so that all rotating scissors spherical bearing serial numbers on Model H160-B helicopters are covered by the AD. That means every bearing serial number is now subject to the inspection, reporting, and installation rules.
Reporting requirements extended
The FAA extended the reporting requirements from AD 2024-26-01 for Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B, so you must report inspection results for a longer period. The AD incorporates an EASA AD that specifies the extended reporting obligations.
Initial compliance time revised
The AD revises the initial compliance time required by AD 2024-26-01 for actions on the rotating scissors spherical bearing on Model H160-B helicopters. This change alters when owners or maintainers must first inspect or measure the bearings under the AD.
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