Rule2026-11174
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
June 4, 2026
Effective
July 9, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Aviation Administration
Abstract
The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR00223IB. This AD was prompted by reports of various deficiencies on the parts installed on the jettisonable window system. This AD requires removing the jettisonable window and, depending on the removal results, replacing the locking fingers; inspecting and installing any missing retaining rings; and inspecting the left-hand (LH) side and right-hand (RH) side emergency handle latch covers (covers) and, depending on the inspection results, replacing the covers or reinstalling airworthy covers. This AD also requires performing repetitive lubrication of the locking fingers installed on the windows jettisonable system and repetitive operational tests of the windows jettisonable system after each lubrication. Additionally, this AD requires modifying the helicopter by replacing each cover and prohibits the installation of certain window aesthetic covers or electrochromic windows unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 107 (Thursday, June 4, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 33587-33590]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-11174]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Aviation Administration
14 CFR Part 39
[Docket No. FAA-2026-2283; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00077-R;
Amendment 39-23362; AD 2026-11-01]
RIN 2120-AA64
Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
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[[Page 33588]]
SUMMARY: The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all
Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters modified by Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) SR00223IB. This AD was prompted by reports of
various deficiencies on the parts installed on the jettisonable window
system. This AD requires removing the jettisonable window and,
depending on the removal results, replacing the locking fingers;
inspecting and installing any missing retaining rings; and inspecting
the left-hand (LH) side and right-hand (RH) side emergency handle latch
covers (covers) and, depending on the inspection results, replacing the
covers or reinstalling airworthy covers. This AD also requires
performing repetitive lubrication of the locking fingers installed on
the windows jettisonable system and repetitive operational tests of the
windows jettisonable system after each lubrication. Additionally, this
AD requires modifying the helicopter by replacing each cover and
prohibits the installation of certain window aesthetic covers or
electrochromic windows unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is
issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
DATES: This AD is effective July 9, 2026.
The Director of the Federal Register approved the incorporation by
reference of certain publications listed in this AD as of July 9, 2026.
ADDRESSES:
AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at <a href="http://regulations.gov">regulations.gov</a> under
Docket No. FAA-2026-2283; 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#9ddcd9eeddf8fceefcb3f8e8eff2edfcb3f8e8"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="ecada89fac898d9f8dc289999e839c8dc28999">[email protected]</span></a>;
website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA
website at ad.easa.europa.eu. For Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG) material
identified in this AD, contact MAG, Via dell'Artigianato 1,
Monteprandone 63076 Ascoli Piceno, Italy; phone: +39 0735-7091; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#84e7e5f3c4b8e5a4ecf6e1e2b9" http: mecaer.com">mecaer.com</a>">caw@<a href="http://mecaer.com">mecaer.com</a></a>; or at <a href="http://mecaer.com">mecaer.com</a>.
<bullet> You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway,
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-2026-2283.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Brenda Buitrago Perez, Aviation Safety
Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590;
phone: (516) 228-7368; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#0b69796e656f6a256725697e627f796a6c64257b6e796e714b6d6a6a256c647d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bfddcddad1dbde91d391ddcad6cbcdded8d091cfdacddac5ffd9dede91d8d0c9">[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 H160-B helicopters modified by STC SR00223IB. The NPRM was
published in the Federal Register on February 26, 2026 (91 FR 9506).
The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2025-0269, dated December 1, 2025
(EASA AD 2025-0269) (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 there have been reports of various deficiencies
involving parts installed on the jettisonable window system, which
include difficulty moving the locking fingers from the locking position
that could cause the jettison function to fail; missing retaining rings
on the jettison window hinge pins; and intermediate covers found
partially detached.
In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require removing the jettisonable
window and, depending on the removal results, replacing the locking
fingers; inspecting and replacing any missing retaining rings; and
inspecting the LH side and RH side covers and, depending on the
inspection results, replacing the covers or reinstalling airworthy
covers. In the NPRM, the FAA also proposed to require performing
repetitive lubrication of the locking fingers installed on the windows
jettisonable system and repetitive operational tests of the windows
jettisonable system after each lubrication. Additionally, in the NPRM
the FAA proposed to require modifying the helicopter by replacing each
cover and to prohibit installing certain window aesthetic covers or
electrochromic windows unless certain requirements are met. The FAA is
issuing 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-2026-2283.
Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive
Comments
The FAA received no comments on the NPRM or on the determination of
the costs.
Conclusion
These products have been approved by the civil aviation authority
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 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 and corrections to the cost calculations, 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 2025-0269. This material specifies, for
helicopters that have aesthetic cover installation part number (P/N)
6A6H5600A002001XYZ and electrochromic window installation P/N
6A6H5600A001001XYZ installed, procedures for removing the jettisonable
windows and, if applicable, replacing the locking fingers and
inspecting and installing any missing retaining rings. EASA AD 2025-
0269 also specifies procedures for inspecting the LH side and RH side
covers and, depending on the inspection results, replacing any covers
that have discrepancies with certain part-numbered covers. EASA AD
2025-0269 specifies procedures for repetitively lubricating the locking
fingers and performing an operational test after each lubrication for
helicopters that have aesthetic cover installation P/N
6A6H5600A002001XYZ and electrochromic window installation P/N
6A6H5600A001001XYZ installed.
Additionally, EASA AD 2025-0269 specifies procedures for modifying
the helicopter by replacing the LH side and RH side covers and
prohibits the installation of certain part-numbered aesthetic covers or
certain part-numbered electrochromic windows on
[[Page 33589]]
any helicopter unless certain requirements are met.
The FAA also reviewed MAG Mandatory Service Bulletin No. SB-A6H-
015, dated November 19, 2025, which specifies procedures for
inspection, replacement, and lubrication of the locking fingers;
inspection for missing retaining rings and installation instructions
for any missing retaining rings; inspection and replacement of certain
part-numbered covers; and an operational test for the jettisonable
windows system.
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.
Differences Between This AD and the MCAI
The MCAI applies to Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters
modified with EASA STC 10080809, whereas this AD applies to Airbus
Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters modified with FAA STC SR00223IB,
dated October 3, 2024.
Where the MCAI specifies contacting MAG for corrective
instructions, this AD requires using a method approved by the FAA, or
EASA, or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organizational Approval.
Costs of Compliance
The FAA estimates that this AD affects eight helicopters of U.S.
registry.
The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD:
Estimated Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cost on U.S.
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product operators
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Remove jettisonable window 4 work-hours x $0.................... $2,040 (6 windows)... $16,320
systems (6 per helicopter). $85 per hour =
$340 (per
window).
Inspect retaining rings....... 1 work-hour x $85 $0.................... $85.................. 680
per hour = $85.
Inspect LH and RH covers...... 4 work-hours x $0.................... $680 (2 covers)...... 5,440
$85 per hour =
$340.
Lubricate locking fingers..... 2 work-hours x $0.................... $170................. 1,360
$85 per hour =
$170.
Perform operational test...... 2 work-hours x $0.................... $170................. 1,360
$85 per hour =
$170.
Modify LH and RH covers....... 2 work-hours x $290 (per cover)...... $920 (2 covers)...... 7,360
$85 per hour =
$170.
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Estimated Costs for On-Condition Costs
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Replace locking fingers........ Up to 12 work- $3,520 (per kit)............. $4,540 (per kit).
hours x $85 per
hour = $1,020.
Install missing retaining rings 1 work-hour x $85 Up to $50 (per ring)......... Up to $135 (per ring).
per hour = $85.
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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 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
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:
2026-11-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23362; Docket No. FAA-
2026-2283; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00077-R.
(a) Effective Date
This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 9, 2026.
(b) Affected ADs
None.
(c) Applicability
This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B
helicopters, certificated in any category, modified by Supplemental
Type Certificate (STC) SR00223IB.
(d) Subject
Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5630, Door windows.
(e) Unsafe Condition
This AD was prompted by reports of various deficiencies on the
parts installed on the jettisonable window system. 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.
[[Page 33590]]
(f) Compliance
Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified,
unless already done.
(g) Required Actions
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 (EASA) AD
2025-0269, dated December 1, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0269).
(h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0269 and MAG SB-A6H-015
(1) Where EASA AD 2025-0269 refers to its effective date, this
AD requires using the effective date of this AD.
(2) Where EASA AD 2025-0269 requires compliance in terms of
flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service.
(3) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2025-0269 specifies ``perform
one operational test of the window jettisonable systems in
accordance with the instructions of Part IV of the MSB'', this AD
requires replacing that text with ``perform one operational test
(also referred to as a functional test) of the window jettisonable
systems in accordance with the instructions of Part IV of the MSB''.
(4) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2025-0269 and Mecaer Aviation
Group Mandatory Service Bulletin No. SB-A6H-015, dated November 19,
2025 (MAG SB-A6H-015) referenced in EASA AD 2025-0269 specifies
``new'', this AD requires replacing that text with ``new (zero hours
time-in-service)''.
(5) Where paragraph (8) of EASA AD 2025-0269 specifies
contacting MAG [Mecaer Aviation Group] for applicable corrective
actions and instructions if a discrepancy is detected during the
operational test, and where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-
0269 specifies to contact MAG if a functional test fails, this AD
requires, before further flight, performing these actions in
accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International
Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design
Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval
must include the DOA-authorized signature.
(6) Where MAG SB-A6H-015 referenced in EASA AD 2025-0269
specifies ``in case of doubt'', this AD requires replacing that text
with ``inspect for broken locking fingers''.
(7) Where MAG SB-A6H-015 referenced in EASA AD 2025-0269
specifies ``confirm that no visible damage is present'', this AD
requires replacing that text with ``inspect for damage (any crack,
deformation, wear, corrosion, looseness, elongation, impact mark, or
structural defect)''.
(8) Where MAG SB-A6H-015 referenced in EASA AD 2025-0269
specifies ``scrapped'', this AD requires replacing that text with
``remove from service''.
(9) This AD does not adopt the ``Remarks'' section of EASA AD
2025-0269.
(i) No Reporting Requirement
Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0269 specifies
to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this AD does not
require that action.
(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#11505c5e52517770703f767e67"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="fdbcb0b2bebd9b9c9cd39a928b">[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.
(k) Additional Information
For more information about this AD, contact Brenda Buitrago
Perez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite
410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7368; email:
<a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#026070676c66632c6e2c60776b767063656d2c7267706778426463632c656d74"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="bfddcddad1dbde91d391ddcad6cbcdded8d091cfdacddac5ffd9dede91d8d0c9">[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 2025-0269,
dated December 1, 2025.
(ii) Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG) Mandatory Service Bulletin No.
SB-A6H-015, dated November 19, 2025.
(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#edaca99ead888c9e8cc388989f829d8cc38898"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7f6f3c4f7d2d6c4d699d2c2c5d8c7d699d2c2">[email protected]</span></a>; website: easa.europa.eu. You may
find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. For
MAG material identified in this AD, contact MAG, Via
dell'Artigianato 1, Monteprandone 63076 Ascoli Piceno, Italy; phone:
+39 0735-7091; email: <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3b585a4c7b075a1b53495e5d06" http: mecaer.com">mecaer.com</a>">caw@<a href="http://mecaer.com">mecaer.com</a></a>; or at <a href="http://mecaer.com">mecaer.com</a>.
(4) You may view this material at the FAA, Airworthiness
Products Section, Operational Safety Branch, 10101 Hillwood Parkway,
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#2244500c4b4c51524741564b4d4c624c4350430c454d54"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="87e1f5a9eee9f4f7e2e4f3eee8e9c7e9e6f5e6a9e0e8f1">[email protected]</span></a>.
Issued on May 22, 2026.
Steven W. Thompson,
Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft
Certification Service.
[FR Doc. 2026-11174 Filed 6-3-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P
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