Airbus Helicopters Face New Bearing Inspection Rules
Published Date: 2/23/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly or fix Airbus H160-B helicopters, listen up! The FAA is updating safety rules to add new checks on certain helicopter parts called scissors spherical bearings to keep flights safe. Starting March 10, 2026, owners must inspect more parts regularly and follow new rules before installing these bearings, helping avoid costly problems down the line.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory inspections for scissors bearings
If you own, operate, or maintain Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters, you must measure the axial play of both rotating and non-rotating scissors spherical bearings and do any follow-up inspections or replacements required by European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2025-0264. The AD is effective March 10, 2026, and initial actions for some helicopters must be done within as short a time as 30 days.
Ban on installing affected bearings
Beginning March 10, 2026, you may not install affected rotating or non-rotating scissors spherical bearings on Model H160-B helicopters unless the installation meets the requirements specified in EASA AD 2025-0264 (incorporated by reference in this AD).
FAA cost estimates for compliance and replacements
The FAA estimates this AD affects nine U.S.-registered H160-B helicopters. Estimated routine costs: measurement of axial play = 3 work-hours × $85/hour = $255 per helicopter; reporting = 1 work-hour × $85/hour = $85 per helicopter. On-condition replacement cost (if required) is estimated at $1,470 per bearing (parts $1,300 + 2 work-hours × $85/hour = $170).
7‑day inspection reporting requirement
You must report inspection results to Airbus Helicopters: for inspections done on or after March 10, 2026, submit the report within 7 days after the inspection; for inspections done before March 10, 2026, submit the report within 7 days after March 10, 2026. The Paperwork Reduction Act burden is estimated at about 1 hour per response (OMB Control Number 2120-0056).
Special flight permits prohibited
Special flight permits (ferry or other special flights) are prohibited for affected H160-B helicopters under this AD effective March 10, 2026, meaning you cannot obtain a special flight permit to operate the helicopter while out of compliance with the AD.
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