Rule2025-22225
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
Primary source
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Published
December 8, 2025
Effective
January 12, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155B and EC 155B1 helicopters. This AD was prompted by a determination that the required forces to jettison the windows exceed the maximum jettisoning effort requirements and the development of a modification of the jettisonable windows. This AD requires replacement of the jettisonable windows and seals on the sliding doors and fixed panels on the left-hand and right-hand sides. This AD also requires the installation of new labels. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 233 (Monday, December 8, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 233 (Monday, December 8, 2025)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 56666-56668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-22225]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2025-1350; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00510-R;
Amendment 39-23196; AD 2025-24-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155B and EC 155B1 helicopters. This AD was
prompted by a determination that the required forces to jettison the
windows exceed the maximum jettisoning effort requirements and the
development of a modification of the jettisonable windows. This AD
requires replacement of the jettisonable windows and seals on the
sliding doors and fixed panels on the left-hand and right-hand sides.
This AD also requires the installation of new labels. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective January 12, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of a certain publication listed in this AD as of January 12,
2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1350; 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 final rule, the mandatory continuing airworthiness
information (MCAI), any comments received, and other information. The
address for Docket Operations is U.S. Department of Transportation,
Docket Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
Material Incorporated by Reference:
<bullet> For European Union Aviation Safety Agency (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#0f4e4b7c4f6a6e7c6e216a7a7d607f6e216a7a"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="0a4b4e794a6f6b796b246f7f78657a6b246f7f">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: 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-2025-1350.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Adam Hein, Aviation Safety Engineer,
FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (316)
946-4116; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#8cede8ede1a2e4e9e5e2cceaededa2ebe3fa"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f19095909cdf9994989fb1979090df969e87">[email protected]</span></a>.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The FAA issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to amend 14
CFR part 39 by adding an AD that would apply to all Airbus Helicopters
Model EC 155B and EC 155B1 helicopters. The NPRM was published in the
Federal Register on July 2, 2025 (90 FR 28913). The NPRM was prompted
by AD 2024-0173, dated September 4, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0173) (also
referred to as the MCAI), issued by EASA, which is the Technical Agent
for the Member States of the European Union. The MCAI states that
during tests concerning jettisoning of windows on a Model EC 155
helicopter, it was identified that the required forces to jettison the
windows exceed the maximum jettisoning effort requirements. The MCAI
also states that Airbus Helicopters developed a modification of the
jettisonable windows to address this unsafe condition.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require replacement of the
jettisonable windows and seals on the sliding doors and fixed panels on
the left-hand and right-hand sides. The FAA also proposed the
installation of new labels.
The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the inability to jettison the
window(s) during an emergency. The unsafe condition, if not addressed,
could result in a reduced capability to evacuate helicopter occupants
during an emergency and consequent injury to helicopter occupants.
You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2025-1350.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received comments from two anonymous commenters that were
unrelated to the actions proposed in the NPRM or that did not make a
request that the FAA can act on. These comments are outside the scope
of this AD.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
of another
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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 referenced above. The FAA reviewed the relevant data,
considered any comments received, and determined that air safety
requires adopting this AD as proposed. Accordingly, the FAA is issuing
this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products. Except for
minor editorial changes, this AD is adopted as proposed in the NPRM.
None of the changes will increase the economic burden on any operator.
Material Incorporated by Reference Under 1 CFR Part 51
The FAA reviewed EASA AD 2024-0173, which specifies procedures for
replacement of the jettisonable windows and seals on the sliding doors
and fixed panels on the left-hand and right-hand sides. The MCAI also
specifies procedure for installation of new labels on the sliding doors
and fixed panels. 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.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects 16 helicopters of U.S.
registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD.
Estimated Costs
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Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators
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Replace windows and seals and 48 work-hours x $85 Up to $53,553................ Up to $57,633............... Up to $922,128.
install labels. per hour = $4,080.
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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
This AD will not have federalism implications under Executive Order
13132. This AD will 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 that this AD:
(1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive
Order 12866,
(2) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and
(3) Will 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 Amendment
Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the
Administrator, the FAA amends 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:
2025-24-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23196; Docket No. FAA-
2025-1350; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00510-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective January 12, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model EC 155B and EC 155B1
helicopters, certificated in any category.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5620, Passenger
Compartment Windows; 5630, Door Windows.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by a determination that the required forces
to jettison the windows exceed the maximum jettisoning effort
requirements and the development of a modification of the
jettisonable windows. The FAA is issuing this AD to prevent the
inability to jettison the window(s) during an emergency. The unsafe
condition, if not addressed, could result in a reduced capability to
evacuate helicopter occupants during an emergency and consequent
injury to helicopter occupants.
(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 2024-0173,
dated September 4, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0173).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0173
(1) Where EASA AD 2024-0173 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2024-0173 refers to flight hours, this AD
requires using hours time-in-service (TIS).
(3) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2024-0173.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0173 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
include that requirement.
(j) 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 (k) of
this AD and email to: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#53121e1c10133532327d343c25"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="f5b4b8bab6b5939494db929a83">[email protected]</span></a>.
(2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate
principal inspector,
[[Page 56668]]
or lacking a principal inspector, the manager of the local flight
standards district office/certificate holding district office.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Adam Hein, Aviation
Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY
11590; phone: (316) 946-4116; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#87e6e3e6eaa9efe2eee9c7e1e6e6a9e0e8f1"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="49282d282467212c2027092f2828672e263f">[email protected]</span></a>.
(l) 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 2024-0173,
dated September 4, 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#4302073003262230226d2636312c33226d2636"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="1554516655707466743b7060677a65743b7060">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find this 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#f89e8ad691968b889d9b8c919796b896998a99d69f978e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="a0c6d28ec9ced3d0c5c3d4c9cfcee0cec1d2c18ec7cfd6">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on November 19, 2025.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2025-22225 Filed 12-5-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on December 8, 2025.
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