Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-06622
FAA Directive: Replacement of Airbus H160-B Emergency Life Raft System Assemblies
Buyer
Federal Aviation Administration
Posted
April 06, 2026
Identifier
2026-06622
NAICS
336413
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is mandating corrective action for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters due to a safety issue with the emergency life raft system (ELRS) container assembly. - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Compliance & Airworthiness Division - OEMs and Vendors: - Airbus Helicopters (OEM of H160-B helicopter and ELRS container assemblies) - Safran Aerosystems (repair facility for affected assemblies) - Products/Services Requested: - Replacement of ELRS container assemblies: - Left-hand: Part Number U256A80A1005 - Right-hand: Part Number U256A80A1006 - Option to send affected assemblies to Safran Aerosystems or an FAA-approved repair facility for corrective action - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Compliance with EASA AD 2025-0130R1 procedures - Prohibition on installing affected assemblies unless requirements are met - Applies to all Airbus H160-B helicopters, with no specific quantity limits - Estimated labor cost per replacement is $170 - Aims to prevent failure of life raft release during emergencies, enhancing occupant safety - Key Locations: - FAA, Office of the Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, Fort Worth, TX - FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY - Safran Aerosystems repair facility (for corrective actions) - Birch Creek Airport, Birch Creek, AK (referenced in airspace correction)
Description
The FAA has issued a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters due to a reported leak in the emergency life raft system (ELRS) container assembly caused by gaps between the burst disk and valve body. The AD mandates replacing the affected ELRS container assembly and prohibits installing assemblies unless specific requirements are met. This directive aims to prevent failure of life raft release during emergencies, enhancing occupant safety. The AD becomes effective May 11, 2026.