Airworthiness Directive · Amendment 39-23281 · Main rotor system
Airbus Helicopters
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters, certificated in any category.
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of the main rotor pitch rod rupturing during flight. This AD requires inspecting the upper and lower pitch rod end bearings on the pitch rods of the main rotor and depending on the results, corrective actions. This AD also requires reporting the results of the inspection. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Except as specified in paragraph (h) of this AD: Comply with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in accordance with European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2026-0020, dated January 27, 2026 (EASA AD 2026-0020).
(1) Where EASA AD 2026-0020 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2026-0020 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where paragraph (2) of EASA AD 2026-0020 specifies to “before further flight, contact AH [Airbus helicopters] for the approved corrective actions(s) instructions, and within the compliance time specified therein”, this AD requires replacing that text with “before further flight, repair any discrepancy using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature”.
(4) Where paragraph (3) of EASA AD 2026-0020 specifies to “Within 7 days”, this AD requires replacing that text with “Within 10 days”.
(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2026-0020 specifies “check”, this AD requires replacing that text with “inspection”.
(6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2026-0020 specifies if a minimum of one out of roundness value is equal to or more than 0.3 mm (.012 in) “contact Airbus Helicopters for further instructions before resuming flights”, this AD requires replacing that text with “before further flight, perform corrective actions using a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA DOA. If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature”.
(7) This AD does not adopt the “Remarks” section of EASA AD 2026-0020.
The aircraft, engines and makers this AD names, by the model designations in its text. A model listed here may still be outside the AD's serial ranges.
