FAA hunts missing rings in chopper life rafts
Published Date: 4/15/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all Airbus EC120B, EC130B4, and EC130T2 helicopter owners to check their emergency floatation systems for a missing retaining ring that keeps parts secure. If the ring’s missing, they’ll need to fix it, and no new floatation systems with the faulty parts can be installed. Comments on this safety check are open until May 30, 2025, and it’s all about keeping flights safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory EFS retaining‑ring inspections
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B, EC130B4, or EC130T2, you must inspect the emergency flotation system (EFS) inflation assembly connection for the presence of a retaining ring. The inspection must be done within 19 months, and if the ring is missing you must take the corrective actions specified in EASA AD 2023-0166 and Safran Aerosystems Service Bulletin 025-69-42, Revision 0, dated June 13, 2023; the AD requires the procedures be performed by persons authorized under 14 CFR 43.3.
Estimated compliance cost per helicopter and nationwide
The FAA estimates this AD would affect 359 U.S.-registered helicopters. The estimated labor for inspecting an EFS inflation assembly is 4.50 work-hours at $85 per hour, totaling $383 per helicopter, and the FAA estimates a total U.S. inspection cost of $137,318. The FAA also lists an on-condition cost for installing a retaining ring (0.25 work‑hours x $85 per hour = $11; parts $32.25; cost per product $21.25) as an example of potential additional work.
Ban on installing affected EFS inflation assemblies
You may not install an emergency flotation system (EFS) that has the specified inflation assemblies on any helicopter. The proposed AD explicitly prohibits installing an EFS with those inflation assemblies installed, per the incorporated EASA AD.
Restricted special flight permits for maintenance ferry flights
If you need to ferry a helicopter to a maintenance location to comply with this AD, any special flight permit is limited: it must be non‑revenue, carry no passengers, and be flown without flight over water. This limits how operators may move helicopters to complete the required actions.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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