FAA Mandates Checks on Airbus Helicopter Gearbox Supports for Safety
Published Date: 10/15/2025
Rule
Summary
If you own or fly an Airbus H160-B helicopter, listen up! The FAA found some broken parts in the main gearbox supports and now requires regular checks for cracks and fixes if needed. Starting October 30, 2025, you can’t install certain parts unless they meet new safety rules—so get ready to inspect, fix, and keep flying safe without breaking the bank.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory MGB Rail Inspections
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B, you must repetitively inspect the main gearbox (MGB) right-hand and left-hand center rail supports for cracks and do required corrective actions. The AD takes effect October 30, 2025, and initial actions must be done within 55 hours time-in-service; compliance is required by following EASA AD 2025-0165 as incorporated by reference.
Installation Ban on Certain Support Parts
The AD prohibits installing certain part-numbered MGB support assemblies unless they meet the AD's requirements. Where EASA allowed installing a "new" part, the FAA requires the part to be "new (never installed)", and parts that the AD specifies to discard must be removed from service.
FAA Cost Estimates and Affected Fleet
The FAA estimates the AD affects 12 U.S.-registered H160-B helicopters. An inspection costs 0.50 work-hours at $85/hour, or $42.50 per helicopter ($510 total for U.S. operators). On-condition replacement costs per helicopter are: LH center rail support $4,622; LH rear rail support $2,148; square housing bearing $153.25; RH center rail support $4,622; RH rear rail support $2,148.
Required Cleaning of Square Housing Bearing
When complying with the AD you must clean the square housing bearing (the FAA replaced EASA's "if necessary" language with a required "clean the square housing bearing"). Square bearings were also found broken during inspections.
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