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 regulations.gov 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 ( printed 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:

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.

The Amendment

Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the Administrator, the FAA amends 14 CFR part 39 as follows: