Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The FAA has issued a new Airworthiness Directive (AD 2026-07-09) for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. It addresses a reported leak in the gas cylinder of the emergency life raft system (ELRS) container assembly caused by geometrical gaps between the burst disk and the valve body. The directive requires operators to replace the affected ELRS container assembly (left-hand P/N U256A80A1005 or right-hand P/N U256A80A1006) and prohibits installation of affected units unless specified requirements are met. This AD becomes effective on May 11, 2026. The unsafe condition, if unaddressed, could prevent life raft deployment during an emergency water landing, risking injury to occupants.
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Key Changes
- Effective date: May 11, 2026
- Requires replacement of affected ELRS container assemblies (P/N U256A80A1005 LH or U256A80A1006 RH)
- Prohibits installation of affected ELRS containers unless specified requirements are met
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Replace the ELRS container assembly with part number U256A80A1005 (left-hand) or U256A80A1006 (right-hand) on all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters with affected units
Prohibit installation of affected ELRS container assembly (P/N U256A80A1005 or U256A80A1006) unless the assembly meets specified requirements or has been repaired by a Safran Aerosystems repair facility or FAA-approved repair facility
Send affected ELRS container assemblies to a Safran Aerosystems repair facility or an FAA-approved repair facility for corrective actions
Comply with this Airworthiness Directive effective May 11, 2026
Allocate labor resources of approximately 2 work-hours per aircraft at $85 per hour to complete the ELRS container assembly replacement