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2026-01-51 R1: Main Rotor System

FAA order 2026-01-51 R1 is an airworthiness directive in force since April 14, 2026. The FAA's subject line: Main Rotor System. It names Airbus Helicopters H160: about 18 aircraft on the U.S. register today, though an order usually covers particular versions or serial numbers rather than every one. System: rotorcraft systems.

What it applies to as the FAA lists it

Kind of product: Aircraft
Makes: Airbus Helicopters
Models: H160-B
On this site: Airbus Helicopters H160 18 registered

Dates and paperwork

In force since: April 14, 2026
Published: April 14, 2026 (signed April 9, 2026)
Docket: FAA-2026-0732
Replaces: 2026-01-51
Status: Current
The FAA's document: Read the order on the FAA's site

The FAA's summary their words, unchanged

The FAA is removing Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2026-01-51, which applied to all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. Emergency AD 2026-01-51 required replacing the upper and lower pitch rod end bearings on the pitch rods of the main rotor with new pitch rod end bearings and reporting information after accomplishment of the replacement. Emergency AD 2026-01-51 also prohibited installing any affected main rotor lower and upper pitch rod end bearings on any helicopter, unless it is a serviceable part. The FAA issued Emergency AD 2026-01-51 to address the structural failure of the main rotor lower and upper pitch rod end bearings. Since the FAA issued Emergency AD 2026-01-51, the manufacturer determined the failure of the main rotor pitch rod end was caused by an inadequate maintenance procedure and that the airworthiness concern is not an unsafe condition and therefore no AD is warranted. The FAA concurs and removes Emergency AD 2026-01-51.

The order itself the regulatory text, as published

Show the full text (1,388 characters)

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by: a. Removing Airworthiness Directive 2026-01-51, Amendment 39-23249 (91 FR 4431, February 2, 2026), and b. Adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-01-51 R1 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23249; Docket No. FAA-2026-0732; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00008-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective April 14, 2026. (b) Affected AD This AD replaces Emergency AD 2026-01-51, Amendment 39-23249 (91 FR 4431, February 2, 2026) (Emergency AD 2026-01-51). (c) Applicability This action applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters, certificated in any category. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft Service Component (JASC) Code: 6200, Main Rotor System. (e) Terminating Action This AD terminates all requirements of Emergency AD 2026-01-51. (f) Additional Information For more information about this AD, contact Jacob Fitch, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (817) 222-4130; email: [email protected]. (g) Material Incorporated by Reference None. Issued on April 9, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-07170 Filed 4-13-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

Source: FAA Dynamic Regulatory System, airworthiness directives. The FAA's document is the authority; the register counts are this site's, from the FAA register of November 6, 2026. Connections as data: /graph/directive/2026-01-51 R1.json · aircraft systems.