FAA Orders Fixes for Faulty Helicopter Emergency Floats
Published Date: 8/22/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly Airbus Helicopters EC120B, EC130 B4, or EC130 T2, listen up! The FAA found a missing part that could mess with your emergency flotation system, so they’re making you check and fix it if needed. You also can’t install certain parts anymore, keeping everyone safer without breaking the bank or your schedule.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory inspection of EFS assemblies
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B, EC130 B4, or EC130 T2, the FAA requires you to inspect emergency flotation systems (EFS) that have certain inflation assemblies installed to check for the presence of a retaining ring between the supply hose and the central supply coupling.
Corrective action required if ring missing
If the inspection finds the retaining ring is missing from the EFS inflation assembly, the FAA requires you to take corrective action as specified by the airworthiness directive.
Prohibition on installing certain EFS assemblies
The FAA prohibits installing an emergency flotation system that has those specified inflation assemblies installed on Airbus Helicopters Model EC120B, EC130 B4, and EC130 T2 helicopters.
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