Federal Register #2026-13-08

FAA Airworthiness Directives for Airbus H160B Helicopter Window Systems

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued two new airworthiness directives (ADs) for Airbus Helicopters Model H160B: - Government Buyer: - Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation - OEM Highlight: - Airbus Helicopters is the primary Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) involved - Products/Services Requested: - Inspection of all hinge pins in jettisonable window systems for missing retaining rings - If missing, installation of required retaining rings - Applies to 12 U.S. helicopters - Modification of affected windows on helicopters modified by STC SR00223IB - Addresses non-conforming cable kits that may cause self-locking nuts to loosen - Prohibits installation of affected windows or doors with these issues - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Compliance is mandatory to address safety concerns that could impact emergency evacuation - No specific part numbers or procurement of new products; actions are inspection, corrective installation, and modification - Estimated inspection cost per helicopter is $170 - References European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) AD 2025-0161 and related publications - The directive is not a procurement opportunity for new equipment, but a compliance and corrective action requirement for operators

Description

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. This AD was prompted by reports of missing retaining rings on the hinge pins installed on the jettisonable window systems. It requires inspecting for missing retaining rings on all the hinge pins installed on the jettisonable window systems and, depending on findings, installing retaining rings found missing. The AD aims to address the unsafe condition to prevent potential failure of the window system hinge pins, which could affect evacuation during an emergency.

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