Proposed Rule2025-20363
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
November 20, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by a report that several self-locking nuts of the window jettisoning system could be loosened by hand due to a non-conformity in the cable kit. This proposed AD would require modifying an affected window into a serviceable window. This proposed AD would also prohibit installing an affected window or an affected door on any helicopter. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 222 (Thursday, November 20, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 222 (Thursday, November 20, 2025)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 52264-52266]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-20363]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 222 / Thursday, November 20, 2025 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 52264]]
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-5026; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00168-R]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).
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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD)
for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This proposed AD
was prompted by a report that several self-locking nuts of the window
jettisoning system could be loosened by hand due to a non-conformity in
the cable kit. This proposed AD would require modifying an affected
window into a serviceable window. This proposed AD would also prohibit
installing an affected window or an affected door on any helicopter.
The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these
products.
DATES: The FAA must receive comments on this NPRM by January 5, 2026.
ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>. Follow
the instructions for submitting comments.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
<bullet> Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
<bullet> Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5026; or in person at Docket Operations between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The AD
docket contains this NPRM, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
street address for Docket Operations is listed above.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) material
identified in this proposed rule, contact EASA, Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3,
50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999 000; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1455506754717567753a7161667b64753a7161"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="87c6c3f4c7e2e6f4e6a9e2f2f5e8f7e6a9e2f2">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA
material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of this
material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110. It is also available at
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FAA-2025-5026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Rivera, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (847)
200-9224; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#4421362d276a362d322136257475042225256a232b32"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="84e1f6ede7aaf6edf2e1f6e5b4b5c4e2e5e5aae3ebf2">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Comments Invited
The FAA invites you to send any written relevant data, views, or
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments using a method listed
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2025-5026;
Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00168-R'' at the beginning of your
comments. The most helpful comments reference a specific portion of the
proposal, explain the reason for any recommended change, and include
supporting data. The FAA will consider all comments received by the
closing date and may amend this proposal because of those comments.
Except for Confidential Business Information (CBI) as described in
the following paragraph, and other information as described in 14 CFR
11.35, the FAA will post all comments received, without change, to
<a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a>, including any personal information you provide. The
agency will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal
contact received about this NPRM.
Confidential Business Information
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (FOIA) (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public
disclosure. If your comments responsive to this NPRM contain commercial
or financial information that is customarily treated as private, that
you actually treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to
this NPRM, it is important that you clearly designate the submitted
comments as CBI. Please mark each page of your submission containing
CBI as ``PROPIN.'' The FAA will treat such marked submissions as
confidential under the FOIA, and they will not be placed in the public
docket of this NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Eric
Rivera, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590. Any commentary that the FAA receives which is not
specifically designated as CBI will be placed in the public docket for
this rulemaking.
Background
EASA, which is the Technical Agent for the Member States of the
European Union, has issued EASA AD 2024-0063, dated March 7, 2024 (EASA
AD 2024-0063) (also referred to as the MCAI), to correct an unsafe
condition on Airbus Helicopters Model H160 B helicopters. The MCAI
states that during a maintenance operation, several self-locking nuts
of the window jettisoning system could be loosened by hand. The MCAI
further states that the function of these nuts is to hold the threaded
axis and the associated cable tightly together, as part of the
passenger window jettisoning system. The MCAI also states that certain
cable kits which are part of the window jettisoning system may not be
in conformance with applicable specifications.
The FAA is proposing this AD to prevent failure of the jettisoning
function of the window which, if not addressed, could result in the
inability to evacuate helicopter occupants during an emergency
situation.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-5026.
[[Page 52265]]
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0063, which specifies procedures for
replacing each affected passenger window with a serviceable window or
modifying an affected window into a serviceable window, which consists
of removing and installing a certain part-numbered cable kit. EASA AD
2024-0063 also prohibits installing an affected window or an affected
door on any helicopter.
This material is reasonably available because the interested
parties have access to it through their normal course of business or by
the means identified in the ADDRESSES section.
FAA's Determination
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
(CAA) of another country and are approved for operation in the United
States. Pursuant to the FAA's bilateral agreement with this State of
Design Authority, that authority has notified the FAA of the unsafe
condition described in the MCAI. The FAA is issuing this NPRM after
determining that the unsafe condition described previously is likely to
exist or develop on other products of the same type design.
Proposed AD Requirements in This NPRM
This proposed AD would require accomplishing the actions specified
in EASA AD 2024-0063, described previously, as incorporated by
reference, except for any exceptions identified in the regulatory text
of this proposed AD.
Explanation of Required Compliance Information
In the FAA's ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of the AD
process, the FAA developed a process to use some CAA ADs as the primary
source of information for compliance with requirements for
corresponding FAA ADs. The FAA has been coordinating this process with
manufacturers and CAAs. As a result, EASA AD 2024-0063 is proposed for
incorporation by reference in this proposed AD. This proposed AD
requires compliance with EASA AD 2024-0063 in its entirety through that
incorporation, except for any differences identified as exceptions in
the regulatory text of this proposed AD. Using common terms that are
the same as the heading of a particular section in EASA AD 2024-0063
does not mean that operators need comply only with that section. For
example, where the AD requirement refers to ``all required actions and
compliance times,'' compliance with this proposed AD requirement is not
limited to the section titled ``Required Action(s) and Compliance
Time(s)'' in EASA AD 2024-0063. Material required by EASA AD 2024-0063
for compliance will be available at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under Docket No.
FAA-2025-5026 after the final rule is published.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD, if adopted as proposed, would
affect 12 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following
costs to comply with this proposed AD.
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost per Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost product operators
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Modify windows (4 per helicopter)..... 13 work-hours x $85 per $3,132 $4,237 $50,844
hour = $1,105.
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The FAA has included all known costs in its cost estimate.
According to the manufacturer, however, some of the costs of this
proposed AD may be covered under warranty, thereby reducing the cost
impact on affected operators.
Authority for This Rulemaking
Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs,
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
The FAA is issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: General requirements.
Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with promoting safe flight
of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing regulations for
practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator finds necessary
for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within the scope of that
authority because it addresses an unsafe condition that is likely to
exist or develop on products identified in this rulemaking action.
Regulatory Findings
The FAA determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and the States, or on the distribution
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed
regulation:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Would not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Would not have a significant economic impact, positive or
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39
Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by
reference, Safety.
The Proposed Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:
PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES
0
1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.
Sec. 39.13 [Amended]
0
2. The FAA amends Sec. 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness
directive:
Airbus Helicopters: Docket No. FAA-2025-5026; Project Identifier
MCAI-2024-00168-R.
(a) Comments Due Date
The FAA must receive comments on this airworthiness directive
(AD) by January 5, 2026
(b) Affected ADs
None.
[[Page 52266]]
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters,
certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5630, Door Windows.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a report that several self-locking nuts
of the window jettisoning system could be loosened by hand due to a
non-conformity in the cable kit. The FAA is issuing this AD to
prevent failure of the jettisoning function of the window. The
unsafe condition, if not addressed, could result in the inability to
evacuate helicopter occupants during an emergency situation.
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Requirements
Except as specified in paragraphs (h) and (i) of this AD: Comply
with all required actions and compliance times specified in, and in
accordance with, European Union Aviation Safety Agency AD 2024-0063,
dated March 7, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0063).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0063
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0063 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0063 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where EASA AD 2024-0063 defines ``affected passenger
window'', and refers to ``a Part Number as listed in the Alert
Service Bulletin ASB and an s/n as listed in the vendor SB'', this
AD requires replacing that text with ``a part number identified in
the Component Affected, of Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin
ASB H160-52-20-0001, Issue 001, dated January 25, 2024; and a serial
number identified in the Appendix: Applicable serial number, of
Vision Systems Vendor Service Bulletin No. 02-050-015, Revision 10,
dated January 24, 2024, as applicable''.
(4) Where EASA AD 2024-0063 specifies ``replace each affected
passenger window with a serviceable window'', this AD requires
replacing that text with ``modify each affected passenger window
into a serviceable window''.
(5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0063 specifies
``check'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``inspect''.
(6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0063 specifies
``throw away'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``remove
from service''.
(7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0063 specifies
``respect the screwing order'', this AD requires replacing that text
with ``follow the screwing order''.
(8) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0063 specifies
``screw the nuts'', this AD requires replacing that text with
``secure the nuts into place''.
(9) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0063 specifies
``fine tuning the pull-up cables in locked position (finger)'', this
AD requires replacing that text with ``put the pull-up cables into
the locked position and make small adjustments to the nuts to ensure
cable tension and prevent twisting, coiling, or crossing of
cables''.
(10) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0063.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0063 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(j) Special Flight Permits
Special flight permits may be issued in accordance with 14 CFR
21.197 and 21.199, provided there are no flights over water.
(k) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)
(1) The Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, has the
authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested using the
procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 CFR 39.19,
send your request to your principal inspector or local Flight
Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending information
directly to the manager of the International Validation Branch, send
it to the attention of the person identified in paragraph (l) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#98d9d5d7dbd8fef9f9b6fff7ee"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="490804060a092f2828672e263f">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager
of the local Flight Standards District Office/certificate holding
district office.
(l) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Eric Rivera,
Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410,
Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (847) 200-9224; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#781d0a111b560a110e1d0a194849381e1919561f170e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="6500170c064b170c130017045554250304044b020a13">[email protected]</span></a>.
(m) Material Incorporated by Reference
(1) The Director of the Federal Register approved the
incorporation by reference of the material listed in this paragraph
under 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51.
(2) You must use this material as applicable to do the actions
required by this AD, unless the AD specifies otherwise.
(i) European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2024-0063,
dated March 7, 2024.
(ii) [Reserved]
(3) For EASA material identified in this AD, contact EASA,
Konrad-Adenauer-Ufer 3, 50668 Cologne, Germany; phone: +49 221 8999
000; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#96d7d2e5d6f3f7e5f7b8f3e3e4f9e6f7b8f3e3"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1e5f5a6d5e7b7f6d7f307b6b6c716e7f307b6b">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Office of the
Regional Counsel, Southwest Region, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Room 6N-
321, Fort Worth, TX 76177. For information on the availability of
this material at the FAA, call (817) 222-5110.
(5) You may view this material at the National Archives and
Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability
of this material at NARA, visit <a href="http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations">www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations</a> or email <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0b6d79256265787b6e687f6264654b656a796a256c647d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="690f1b4700071a190c0a1d0006072907081b08470e061f">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on November 17, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-20363 Filed 11-19-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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