AD 2026-13-04 ACTIVE

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. This AD requires modifying an affected window into a serviceable window. This AD also prohibits installing an affected window or an affected door on any helicopter modified with STC SR00223IB. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

Final rule.

1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-13-04 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23386; Docket No. FAA-2025-2551; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00191-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 10, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters, certificated in any category, modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR00223IB having a date of issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness on or before October 3, 2024. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5630, Door windows. (e) Unsafe Condition 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 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. (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 2024-0075, dated March 18, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0075). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0075 (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0075 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2024-0075 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where EASA AD 2024-0075 defines "affected passenger window" and refers to "a Part Number as listed in the MSB and an s/n as listed in the vendor SB", this AD requires replacing that text with "a part number identified in Planning Information, paragraph A.1 Effectivity, and a serial number identified in the Appendix: Applicable serial number, of Vision Systems Vendor Service Bulletin No. 02-050-015, Revision 0, dated January 24, 2024, as applicable". (4) Where EASA AD 2024-0075 specifies "replace each affected passenger window with a serviceable window", this AD requires replacing that text with "modify each affected passenger window into a serviceable window". (5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 specifies "check", this AD requires replacing that text with "inspect". (6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 specifies "throw away", this AD requires replacing that text with "remove from service". (7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 specifies "respect the screwing order", this AD requires replacing that text with "follow the screwing order". (8) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 specifies "screw the nuts", this AD requires replacing that text with "secure the nuts into place". (9) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 specifies "fine tuning the pull-up cables in locked position (finger)", this AD requires replacing that text with "put the pull-up cables into the locked position and make small adjustments to the nuts to ensure cable tension and prevent twisting, coiling, or crossing of cables". (10) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0075. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 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: AMOC@faa.gov. (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 Eric Rivera, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (773) 412-9048; email: eric.rivera01@faa.gov. (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 2024-0075, dated March 18, 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: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on June 18, 2026. Christopher R. Parker, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-13538 Filed 7-2-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P

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 September 22, 2025 (90 FR 45338). The NPRM was prompted by EASA AD 2024-0075, dated March 18, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0075) (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 a maintenance operation, several self-locking nuts of the window jettisoning system could be loosened by hand. The MCAI further states that the function of these nuts is to hold the threaded axis and the associated cable tigh, as part of the passenger windows' jettisoning system mechanism. The MCAI also states that certain cable kits which are part of the window jettisoning system might not be in conformance with applicable specifications. Since FAA STC SR00223IB has the same specifications as EASA STC 10080809, it was determined that helicopters modified by FAA STC SR00223IB would have the same unsafe condition. In the NPRM, the FAA proposed to require modifying an affected window into a serviceable window. This AD also prohibits installing an affected window or an affected door on any helicopter modified with STC SR00223IB. 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. You may examine the MCAI in the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-2551. Discussion of Final Airworthiness Directive Comments The FAA received comments from the Citizens Rulemaking Alliance. The following presents the comments received on the NPRM and the FAA's response to each comment. Request To Issue an NPRM or Justify Forgoing Notice and Comment or Delay Effective Date for Non-Immediate Tasks The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA either retain necessary "before further flight" and short-interval inspection/mitigation requirements in the immediately adopted rule and republish any longer-term replacement, configuration changes, or recurring actions with longer compliance times as an NPRM with a 30 to 60-day comment period. Alternatively, the commenter suggested the FAA publish an interim final rule limited to immediate mitigations and a parallel NPRM for the longer-term actions. The commenter asserted the FAA has not adequately justified use of the good cause exemption to bypass notice and comment and the 30-day delayed effective date. The FAA notes the comment was submitted in response to an NPRM for which the FAA provided a 45-day comment period. This final rule is effective 35 days after its publication in the Federal Register . Therefore, the FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment. Request To Comply With the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA revise the proposed AD to comply with the PRA if reporting is required or remove any mandatory reporting provisions or suspend enforcement until PRA requirements are satisfied. If reporting is not required, the commenter requested the FAA clarify that in the AD. The FAA notes that paragraph (i) of this AD specifies that this AD does not require reporting. If an AD were to require reporting, the preamble of the AD would include a paragraph titled "Paperwork Reduction Act" that would provide the applicable OMB control number, required PRA statements, and the estimated time to collect the required information (burden). Any costs associated with the reporting requirement would be included in the Costs of Compliance section in the preamble of the AD. Therefore, the FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment. Request To Make Incorporation by Reference (IBR) Materials Reasonably Available The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance stated that the FAA's current practices for IBR frequently fail to meet the legal and regulatory standards for reasonable availability. The commenter called on the FAA to guarantee that all IBR materials are easily and freely accessible to the public and affected parties for both commenting and compliance purposes and to confirm that the AD does not incorporate later revisions or materials that incorporate other unavailable documents. The FAA clarifies that this AD incorporates by reference EASA AD 2024-0075, not the manufacturer service information referenced in that EASA AD. The FAA posted EASA AD 2024-0075 to the AD docket when the NPRM was published in the Federal Register . The material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 may only be posted before the final rule's publication if it is already publicly available or if there is written consent from the owner of that material. Additionally, the FAA provided notice in the NPRM that the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 will be available in the AD docket after this AD is published. 1 CFR part 51 requires that the specific version of the material to be incorporated by reference be specifically identified and formally approved for IBR by the Office of the Federal Register. Once a document is incorporated by reference with a specific date/revision, that exact version becomes the regulatory requirement. This AD does allow, but does not mandate the use of later-approved revisions of the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 as acceptable for compliance with the required actions. This AD adopts the "Ref. Publications" section of EASA AD 2024-0075, which includes the current version of the referenced material as well as later approved revisions. Referring to EASA AD 2024-0075 instead of a service bulletin minimizes the need for alternative methods of compliance. Therefore, the FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment. Request To Consider Impact on Small Entities The Citizens Rulemaking Alliance requested that the FAA prepare an initial regulatory flexibility analysis that takes into account parts, labor, aircraft downtime, and specific small entity impacts. Additionally, the commenter requested that the FAA adopt less burdensome alternatives for small operators, such as explicit alternative method of compliance (AMOC) alternatives, temporary ferry flight allowances, and flexible compliance intervals. The FAA has considered the AD's impact on small entities and provides the following factual basis for its Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA) certification. The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, Public Law 96-354, 94 Stat. 1164 (5 U.S.C. 601-612), as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121, 110 Stat. 857, Mar. 29, 1996) and the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (Pub. L. 111-240, 124 Stat. 2504, Sept. 27, 2010), requires Federal agencies to consider the effects of the regulatory action on small business and other small entities and to minimize any significant economic impact. The term "small entities" comprises small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000. The FAA identified one pharmaceutical preparation manufacturer and one nonscheduled air transportation operator that will be affected by this AD. Based on the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard (displayed in the table below), both entities are large businesses. Small Business Size Standards 1 NAICS 2 code Description Size standard 325412 Pharmaceutical Preparation Manufacturing 1,300 employees. 481219 Other Nonscheduled Air Transportation $25.0 million. 1 Sources: sba.gov: Table of Small Business Size Standards. Dun & Bradstreet; D&B Hoovers; Retrieved April 29, 2026; app.hoovers.dnb.com. 2 NAICS = North American Industrial Classification System. If an agency determines that a rulemaking action will not result in a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities, the head of the agency may certify under section 605(b) of the RFA. Therefore, as provided in section 605(b) and based on the foregoing, the head of the FAA certifies that this AD will not result in a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. The FAA did not change this AD as a result of this comment. 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, a correction to the revision level of Vision Systems Vendor Service Bulletin No. 02-050-015 from Revision 10 to Revision 0, a change in the Costs of Compliance section (from 11 helicopters to 10 helicopters and corresponding cost changes), and any other changes described previously, 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 2024-0075, which specifies procedures for replacing each affected passenger window with a serviceable window or modifying an affected window into a serviceable window, which consists of removing and installing a certain part-numbered cable kit. EASA AD 2024-0075 also prohibits installing an affected window or an affected door on any helicopter. 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, all serial numbers, if modified by EASA STC 10080809 original issue or Revision 1, whereas this AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters modified by FAA STC SR00223IB, having a date of issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness on or before October 3, 2024. Costs of Compliance The FAA estimates that this AD affects 10 helicopters of U.S. registry. The FAA estimates the following costs to comply with this AD. Estimated Costs Action Labor cost Parts cost Cost per product Cost on U.S. operators Modify windows (4 per helicopter) 13 work-hours × $85 per hour = $1,105 $3,132 $4,237 $42,370 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 1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows: Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701. § 39.13 [Amended] 2. The FAA amends § 39.13 by adding the following new airworthiness directive: 2026-13-04 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23386; Docket No. FAA-2025-2551; Project Identifier MCAI-2024-00191-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective August 10, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters, certificated in any category, modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR00223IB having a date of issuance of the original airworthiness certificate or date of issuance of the original export certificate of airworthiness on or before October 3, 2024. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5630, Door windows. (e) Unsafe Condition 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 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. (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 2024-0075, dated March 18, 2024 (EASA AD 2024-0075). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2024-0075 (1) Where EASA AD 2024-0075 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2024-0075 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where EASA AD 2024-0075 defines "affected passenger window" and refers to "a Part Number as listed in the MSB and an s/n as listed in the vendor SB", this AD requires replacing that text with "a part number identified in Planning Information, paragraph A.1 Effectivity, and a serial number identified in the Appendix: Applicable serial number, of Vision Systems Vendor Service Bulletin No. 02-050-015, Revision 0, dated January 24, 2024, as applicable". (4) Where EASA AD 2024-0075 specifies "replace each affected passenger window with a serviceable window", this AD requires replacing that text with "modify each affected passenger window into a serviceable window". (5) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 specifies "check", this AD requires replacing that text with "inspect". (6) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 specifies "throw away", this AD requires replacing that text with "remove from service". (7) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 specifies "respect the screwing order", this AD requires replacing that text with "follow the screwing order". (8) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 specifies "screw the nuts", this AD requires replacing that text with "secure the nuts into place". (9) Where the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 specifies "fine tuning the pull-up cables in locked position (finger)", this AD requires replacing that text with "put the pull-up cables into the locked position and make small adjustments to the nuts to ensure cable tension and prevent twisting, coiling, or crossing of cables". (10) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2024-0075. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2024-0075 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: AMOC@faa.gov. (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 Eric Rivera, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (773) 412-9048; email: eric.rivera01@faa.gov. (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 2024-0075, dated March 18, 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: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. (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 www.archives.gov/federal-register/cfr/ibr-locations or email fr.inspection@nara.gov. Issued on June 18, 2026. Christopher R. Parker, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service.

AD Docket: You may examine the AD docket at regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-2551; 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-91, West Building Fifth Floor, Room W58-213, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590. Material Incorporated by Reference: - 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: ADs@easa.europa.eu; website: easa.europa.eu. You may find the EASA material on the EASA website at ad.easa.europa.eu. - 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 regulations.gov under Docket No. FAA-2025-2551.

Eric Rivera, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (773) 412-9048; email: eric.rivera01@faa.gov.