2026-11-01: Door windows

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: 2026-11-01 Airbus Helicopters: Amendment 39-23362; Docket No. FAA-2026-2283; Project Identifier MCAI-2026-00077-R. (a) Effective Date This airworthiness directive (AD) is effective July 9, 2026. (b) Affected ADs None. (c) Applicability This AD applies to all Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B helicopters, certificated in any category, modified by Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) SR00223IB. (d) Subject Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC) Code 5630, Door windows. (e) Unsafe Condition This AD was prompted by reports of various deficiencies on the parts installed on the jettisonable window system. 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) Required Actions 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 (EASA) AD 2025-0269, dated December 1, 2025 (EASA AD 2025-0269). (h) Exceptions to EASA AD 2025-0269 and MAG SB-A6H-015 (1) Where EASA AD 2025-0269 refers to its effective date, this AD requires using the effective date of this AD. (2) Where EASA AD 2025-0269 requires compliance in terms of flight hours, this AD requires using hours time-in-service. (3) Where paragraph (5) of EASA AD 2025-0269 specifies "perform one operational test of the window jettisonable systems in accordance with the instructions of Part IV of the MSB", this AD requires replacing that text with "perform one operational test (also referred to as a functional test) of the window jettisonable systems in accordance with the instructions of Part IV of the MSB". (4) Where paragraph (6) of EASA AD 2025-0269 and Mecaer Aviation Group Mandatory Service Bulletin No. SB-A6H-015, dated November 19, 2025 (MAG SB-A6H-015) referenced in EASA AD 2025-0269 specifies "new", this AD requires replacing that text with "new (zero hours time-in-service)". (5) Where paragraph (8) of EASA AD 2025-0269 specifies contacting MAG [Mecaer Aviation Group] for applicable corrective actions and instructions if a discrepancy is detected during the operational test, and where the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0269 specifies to contact MAG if a functional test fails, this AD requires, before further flight, performing these actions in accordance with a method approved by the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA; or EASA; or Airbus Helicopters' EASA Design Organization Approval (DOA). If approved by the DOA, the approval must include the DOA-authorized signature. (6) Where MAG SB-A6H-015 referenced in EASA AD 2025-0269 specifies "in case of doubt", this AD requires replacing that text with "inspect for broken locking fingers". (7) Where MAG SB-A6H-015 referenced in EASA AD 2025-0269 specifies "confirm that no visible damage is present", this AD requires replacing that text with "inspect for damage (any crack, deformation, wear, corrosion, looseness, elongation, impact mark, or structural defect)". (8) Where MAG SB-A6H-015 referenced in EASA AD 2025-0269 specifies "scrapped", this AD requires replacing that text with "remove from service". (9) This AD does not adopt the "Remarks" section of EASA AD 2025-0269. (i) No Reporting Requirement Although the material referenced in EASA AD 2025-0269 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 Brenda Buitrago Perez, Aviation Safety Engineer, FAA, 1600 Stewart Avenue, Suite 410, Westbury, NY 11590; phone: (516) 228-7368; email: brenda.l.buitrago.perez@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 2025-0269, dated December 1, 2025. (ii) Mecaer Aviation Group (MAG) Mandatory Service Bulletin No. SB-A6H-015, dated November 19, 2025. (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. For MAG material identified in this AD, contact MAG, Via dell'Artigianato 1, Monteprandone 63076 Ascoli Piceno, Italy; phone: +39 0735-7091; email: caw@mecaer.com; or at mecaer.com. (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 May 22, 2026. Steven W. Thompson, Acting Deputy Director, Compliance & Airworthiness Division, Aircraft Certification Service. [FR Doc. 2026-11174 Filed 6-3-26; 8:45 am]BILLING CODE 4910-13-P