FAA Proposes AD for Airbus H160-B Window Jettison System

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for a new Airworthiness Directive (AD) targeting all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B. The proposed rule addresses a potential failure of the window jettisoning function, an unsafe condition that the agency determined could impede emergency evacuation and result in injury to occupants.

The proposed directive stems from a safety issue identified on helicopters modified by a specific Supplemental Type Certificate (STC). If finalized, the AD would mandate inspections and corrective actions for operators of the affected rotorcraft to ensure the reliability of the emergency exit system. This action reflects ongoing regulatory oversight and international cooperation on aviation safety standards.

The Proposed Directive's Details

The NPRM, published in the Federal Register under Docket No. FAA-2026-2283, outlines the unsafe condition and the FAA's proposed solution. The issue specifically relates to H160-B helicopters modified by STC SR00223IB, which involves the jettisonable window system. The FAA has determined that deficiencies in the system could prevent the windows from being jettisoned correctly during an emergency.

The agency is proposing this AD to prevent failure of the window jettisoning function. The required actions would include inspections of the system and, if necessary, modifications to correct any identified problems. The FAA has established a public comment period for the proposal, which is set to close on April 13, 2026. The administration will review all feedback received before deciding on a final rule.

Regulatory Precedent and Harmonization

This proposed action by the FAA is not occurring in isolation. It is based on Mandatory Continuing Airworthiness Information (MCAI) issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), which is the primary airworthiness authority for the Airbus helicopter. EASA addressed this unsafe condition in its own directive, EASA AD 2025-0269, which applies to H160-B helicopters modified under EASA STC 10080809.

The FAA's practice of adopting or harmonizing its directives with those of EASA is a common example of the global trend towards standardized aviation safety regulations. This cooperative approach ensures that unsafe conditions are addressed consistently across different jurisdictions where an aircraft model operates.

Furthermore, this is not the first time the H160-B's jettisonable windows have been the subject of regulatory action. A separate, final-rule AD (Docket No. FAA-2025-0620) became effective on May 2, 2025. That directive, prompted by EASA AD 2025-0009, required operators to lubricate and repeatedly test the locking fingers on the jettisonable windows after reports of difficulty with the jettisoning function. The new proposed AD addresses a related but distinct issue discovered under a specific modification.

About the Airbus H160-B

The Airbus H160 is a modern medium-utility helicopter designed for a variety of missions, including offshore transportation, private aviation, and emergency medical services. It features a full composite airframe, a design trend aimed at reducing weight and improving performance. The helicopter is powered by two Safran Arrano 1A turboshaft engines.

According to FAA documents, the H160-B has a maximum takeoff weight of 13,436 lbs (6,050 kg) and can be configured to carry a maximum of 12 passengers and two crew members. The inclusion of jettisonable windows is a critical safety feature designed to provide additional escape routes in the event of an emergency, such as a water landing.

What Comes Next

Following the closure of the comment period on April 13, 2026, the FAA will analyze the public and industry feedback. Based on this review, the agency may proceed with issuing a final rule as proposed, issue a modified final rule, or withdraw the NPRM. If a final AD is issued under the authority of 14 CFR part 39, it will become a legally enforceable regulation, requiring all U.S.-based operators of the affected H160-B helicopters to comply with its mandates within a specified timeframe.

Why This Matters

This proposed directive highlights the rigorous and proactive nature of modern aviation safety oversight. It underscores the detailed attention regulators pay to post-certification modifications made under STCs, which can introduce new and unforeseen risks. For operators, it serves as a reminder of the importance of continuous airworthiness monitoring and compliance, while for the broader industry, it reinforces the effectiveness of international regulatory collaboration in maintaining a safe global aviation ecosystem.

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