Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-20885
Proposed FAA Safety Directive for Airbus H160-B Jettisonable Windows
Buyer
Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
Posted
October 13, 2026
Respond By
November 27, 2026
Identifier
2026-20885
The FAA proposes safety requirements for Airbus Helicopters H160-B aircraft; the document also includes a separate CFTC request for comments on crypto-asset market rules. - Government agencies: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA); the document also includes a separate action by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). - Aircraft manufacturer / OEM: Airbus Helicopters. The proposal incorporates procedures from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA); EASA is not identified as a vendor. - Proposed H160-B actions: Remove, clean, and reinstall six jettisonable windows per helicopter, then operationally test the window-jettison systems. The FAA estimates 17 U.S.-registered helicopters would be affected. - The measures address residue on a jettison rope that could block the mechanism and hinder emergency evacuation. - Procedures are based on EASA AD 2026-0116. If testing finds a discrepancy, corrective action must be approved by the FAA, EASA, or Airbus Helicopters’ EASA Design Organization Approval. - Separate CFTC action: Requests comments on planned rules concerning crypto-asset transactions and markets; it is unrelated to the helicopter directive. - Procurement status: These are proposed regulatory actions, not a solicitation or contract award; no products are being purchased.
Description
The Federal Aviation Administration proposes a new airworthiness directive for all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters. The proposal was prompted by a report that a blocked jettisoning mechanism prevented a window’s jettisoning function from operating. It would require removing the jettisonable windows, cleaning their ropes, and performing an operational test of the window jettison systems. The proposed actions are intended to address an unsafe condition that could reduce occupants’ ability to evacuate during an emergency and result in injury. Comments are due November 27, 2026.