FAA AD: Airbus H160-B Emergency Locator Beacon Defects
Over-water helicopter survival gear is rarely inspected between annuals. A dead PLB battery or misrigged rope is a failure chain that only reveals itself once you're already in the water.
The FAA issued an AD for all Airbus Helicopters H160-B helicopters after reports of a fully discharged personal locator beacon (PLB) battery installed on an emergency life-raft system (ELRS), and incorrectly attached connecting ropes between the two ELRS units and the PLB. The AD requires a functional test of the PLB, inspection of the rope connection, and replacement or reattachment as needed, and prohibits installing certain PLB part numbers unless requirements are met. Uncorrected, the condition could delay rescue and medical assistance after an emergency ditching. Published June 4, 2026; effective July 9, 2026 (AD 2026-11-02).
Sources
- Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters — Federal Register