FAA Adopts EASA Directive for Airbus H160-B Bearing Inspections

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has adopted a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters models, mandating new inspections for a critical main rotor component. The action follows a determination by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) that addresses a potential unsafe condition related to non-rotating scissors spherical bearings. This helicopter safety regulation focuses on preventing excessive wear that could impact flight control.

The directive directly affects operators of the Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B. It mandates repetitive inspections to measure axial play in the spherical bearings of the non-rotating scissors assembly. This action stems from EASA's own AD, which concluded that excessive axial play, if left uncorrected, could potentially lead to reduced control of the helicopter. The FAA's adoption of the EASA rule ensures a harmonized approach to aviation maintenance and continuing airworthiness for this aircraft model in the United States.

Regulatory Background and Technical Details

The FAA's decision is based on EASA AD 2025-0264, which serves as the Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) for this issue. According to the official notice in the Federal Register, the FAA determined that the unsafe condition identified by EASA is likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design registered in the U.S. This is a standard procedure under the bilateral agreement between the United States and the European Union, which streamlines the validation and adoption of safety directives for aviation products.

The technical focus of the AD is the non-rotating scissors spherical bearings, a critical component in the main rotor hub that helps transmit flight control inputs. The required inspection procedure involves precise axial play measurement to detect wear before it reaches a critical threshold. If the measured play exceeds the limits specified in the service instructions, the AD requires corrective action, which typically involves replacing the affected bearing. These proactive inspections are designed to mitigate risks associated with component fatigue and wear in high-stress rotorcraft systems.

Industry Impact and Harmonization

This action highlights the trend of international regulatory harmonization, a cornerstone of modern aviation safety. By adopting EASA's findings and required actions, the FAA avoids duplicative regulatory efforts and ensures that U.S. operators of the H160-B adhere to the same safety standards as their European counterparts. This consistency is crucial for manufacturers, maintenance organizations, and operators who manage global fleets, simplifying compliance and training.

The issuance of an Airworthiness Directive is a formal, legally enforceable rule. It reflects a proactive approach to safety regulation, addressing potential issues before they result in incidents or accidents. The focus on critical main rotor components is common in the rotorcraft sector, as these systems are subject to immense dynamic loads and are fundamental to safe flight. For maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers, this AD introduces a new, recurring inspection task that must be integrated into the approved maintenance programs for all affected helicopters.

What Comes Next

Operators of the Airbus Helicopters H160-B on the U.S. registry will be required to comply with the new AD within the timeframe specified in the directive. The AD mandates initial inspections followed by repetitive checks at defined intervals. These intervals are typically based on flight hours or calendar time, whichever comes first. Compliance involves performing the axial play measurement according to the manufacturer's approved service documentation and recording the results.

Failure to comply with the terms of an AD is a violation of federal law and can result in penalties and the grounding of the aircraft until the required actions are completed. The FAA will oversee compliance through its standard surveillance activities, including ramp inspections and reviews of maintenance records. Airbus Helicopters is expected to provide the necessary service bulletins and technical support to assist operators in implementing the required inspections and any necessary component replacements.

Why This Matters

This directive reinforces the rigorous, data-driven safety oversight applied to modern rotorcraft. For operators, it introduces a mandatory compliance item that directly impacts maintenance schedules and costs. More broadly, it serves as a clear example of how major international aviation authorities collaborate to maintain a unified and high standard of safety across the global fleet.

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