Federal Register #FAA20252551

FAA Mandates Window Modification for Airbus H160-B Helicopters with STC SR00223IB

• The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Aircraft Certification Service, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, is mandating safety modifications for Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR00223IB.
• OEM highlighted: Airbus Helicopters.
• The directive addresses a safety issue with self-locking nuts in the window jettisoning system, caused by a non-conforming cable kit, which could compromise emergency evacuation.
• Affected helicopters (estimated 10 in the U.S.) must have four windows per helicopter modified to a serviceable condition, following procedures in EASA AD 20240075 and Vision Systems Vendor Service Bulletin No. 02050 015.
• The installation of affected (non-conforming) windows or doors is strictly prohibited on any helicopter modified with STC SR00223IB.
• Estimated modification cost is $4,237 per helicopter.
• Compliance with referenced EASA and vendor service bulletin procedures is required; specific part numbers and serial numbers are referenced in the service bulletin.
• No reporting is required for compliance.
• The directive applies to helicopters with original airworthiness certificates issued on or before the specified cutoff.

Description

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 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 AD requires modifying an affected window into a serviceable window and prohibits installing an affected window or door on any helicopter modified with STC SR00223IB. The directive aims to address the unsafe condition to prevent failure of the jettisoning function of the window, which could result in the inability to evacuate helicopter occupants during an emergency.

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