Rotorcraft Flight Manual – Limitations Section – Amendment
Superseded. Comply with 2026-0184, which replaces this document.
- Published
- Effective
AI-generated summary of the official EASA document. Verify against the PDF before acting.
What to do
Operators of Airbus Helicopters H160-B must update their Rotorcraft Flight Manual by incorporating the specified Rush Revision or a later approved revision within 30 days of 22 June 2026. Compliance with the new pilot limitation requiring hands-on flying in Assisted Take-Off mode under OEI conditions is mandatory. Any alternative methods of compliance must be approved by EASA.
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0104 is an amendment to the Rotorcraft Flight Manual – Limitations Section for Airbus Helicopters H160-B models. It addresses a safety issue identified during HELIONIX software development flight tests related to the Automatic Flight Control System's Assisted Take-Off mode under One Engine Inoperative conditions. The directive mandates changes to the flight manual to enhance pilot limitations and ensure safe operation.
What changed
This directive introduces a new limitation in the Rotorcraft Flight Manual requiring pilots to maintain hands-on flying when using the Assisted Take-Off mode in OEI conditions after the Take-Off Decision Point. It requires operators to incorporate the Rush Revision dated 13 March 2026 or a later approved revision of the H160-B Rotorcraft Flight Manual Section 2.4. This is a new safety measure prompted by observed deviations in helicopter behavior during flight tests.
Why it matters
This amendment is critical for aviation professionals as it addresses a potential unsafe condition that could lead to loss of the helicopter during take-off with one engine inoperative. Operators and maintenance teams must ensure compliance to maintain airworthiness and prevent accidents. The directive also serves as an interim safety action, indicating that further regulatory updates may follow.
More for Airbus Helicopters H160
All 32- EASA AD 2026-0198Doors – Emergency Exit Rope on the Jettisonable Window Systems – CleaningOct 19, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0196Equipment / Furnishings – System Interface Unit – ReplacementOct 13, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0193Doors – Jettisonable Window Mechanism – Lubrication / Operational Test / ModificationOct 9, 2026
- EASA PAD 26-116Equipment / Furnishings – System Interface Unit – ReplacementSep 25, 2026
- EASA AD 2026-0184
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