Helicopter Window Jettison Rules Updated by FAA
Published Date: 6/4/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly an Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B with a special window system, this new rule kicks in July 9, 2026. You’ll need to remove and inspect the jettisonable windows, fix or replace parts if needed, and keep lubricating and testing the system regularly. These steps keep your helicopter safe and stop certain window covers from being installed unless they meet new rules—so plan for some maintenance time and possible costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
Potential on-condition replacement costs
If inspections find discrepancies, you may need to replace locking-finger kits or install missing retaining rings. The FAA estimates replacing locking fingers can cost $4,540 per kit (including up to 12 work-hours) and installing a missing retaining ring can cost up to $135 per ring.
Mandatory window removal and inspections
If you operate an Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B modified by STC SR00223IB, starting July 9, 2026 you must remove and inspect the six jettisonable windows and, depending on findings, replace locking fingers and install any missing retaining rings and inspect/repair the left- and right-hand covers. The FAA estimates the remove-and-inspect action costs $16,320 per helicopter and the rule applies to eight U.S.-registered helicopters.
Cover modification and installation ban on some parts
Starting July 9, 2026 you must modify the helicopter by replacing each left- and right-hand cover and you may not install certain aesthetic cover part number 6A6H5600A002001XYZ or electrochromic window part number 6A6H5600A001001XYZ unless specific requirements are met. The FAA estimates the cover modification costs $920 per helicopter (2 covers) and estimates the rule affects eight U.S.-registered helicopters.
Repetitive lubrication and functional tests
If your H160-B (STC SR00223IB) has the affected jettisonable window system, you must perform repetitive lubrication of the locking fingers and an operational (functional) test after each lubrication starting July 9, 2026. The FAA estimates each lubrication action costs $170 per helicopter and each operational test costs $170 per helicopter.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15585, Requirements for Interference-Tolerant Radio Altimeter Systems
In July 2025, President Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Section 40002 of that law re-institutes the Federal Communications Commission's general auction authority and specifically directs the Commission to complete a system of competitive bidding for not less than 100 megahertz in the 3.98-4.2 gigahertz band (Upper C- band). This final rule supports the Federal Communications Commission's July 2026 Report and Order that makes 160 megahertz of the Upper C-band available for terrestrial wireless flexible use via a system of competitive bidding. To ensure safe, efficient, and reliable aviation operations in the presence of wireless signals in the C-band, the Federal Aviation Administration is issuing new regulations that require all radio altimeters to meet specific minimum performance requirements. These new radio altimeters must withstand interference from wireless signals in neighboring spectrum bands and continue to provide accurate altitude readings to both pilots and integrated aircraft safety systems. These regulations require all aircraft equipped with radio altimeters operating under part 121 and those aircraft with radio altimeters operating under part 129 with 30 or more passenger seats or a payload capacity of more than 7,500 pounds to comply with the minimum performance requirements by December 30, 2030, which is prior to the date the Federal Communications Commission authorizes the use of the Upper C-band for new wireless services, as stated in its Report and Order. All other aircraft equipped with radio altimeters that are required to comply with part 91, including aircraft operating under parts 125, 133, 135, 136, 137, 194, and all other aircraft operating under part 129 that are not subject to the initial deadline, must comply with the same minimum performance requirements on or before October 31, 2034.
2026-13440, Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight
The FAA wants to let supersonic planes fly over land again by updating old rules that banned them because of loud sonic booms. Thanks to new tech that keeps booms quiet, this change will open the door for faster, cooler flights across the U.S., helping America lead the world in supersonic travel. People and companies interested in supersonic flight should share their thoughts by August 17, 2026.
2026-13126, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility; Extension of Comment Period
The FAA is giving more time—until August 5, 2026—for people to share their thoughts on new rules that would limit drone flights near important fixed sites like power plants or airports. This affects drone operators and facility owners who want to keep the skies safe and secure. No new costs yet, just extra time to weigh in and help shape the rules.
2026-08943, Designation-Restrict the Operation of Unmanned Aircraft in Close Proximity to a Fixed Site Facility
The FAA is proposing new rules to keep drones away from certain important fixed sites like power plants or airports to keep everyone safe and secure. If you own or operate one of these sites, you can request a drone flight restriction zone to protect your property and people nearby. Comments are open until July 6, 2026, and these changes could affect drone pilots and site operators, but no big costs are expected.
2026-18601, Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-23- 06, which applied to certain Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000EX airplanes. AD 2023-23-06 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-23- 06, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require certain actions in AD 2023-23-06 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-18602, Airworthiness Directives; Dassault Aviation Airplanes
The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-22- 12, which applied to all Dassault Aviation Model FALCON 2000 airplanes. AD 2023-22-12 required revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-22-12, the FAA has determined that new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations are necessary. This AD continues to require certain actions in AD 2023- 22-12 and requires revising the existing maintenance or inspection program, as applicable, to incorporate new or more restrictive airworthiness limitations. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11170, Clean Air Act Title V Operating Permit Program Revision; District of Columbia
The EPA is giving a thumbs-up to updates in Washington, D.C.'s air pollution permit program, making sure fees keep the program running strong. These changes reorganize some rules but don’t change what they mean. Starting July 6, 2026, businesses with air permits in D.C. will see updated fees that help protect clean air without surprise costs.
Next: 2026-11175, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH Helicopters
If you fly an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland MBB-BK 117 D-3, listen up! The FAA found a problem with a part that can cause shaky flights, so they’re requiring a one-time check and fixes if needed. This rule kicks in July 9, 2026, and stops unsafe parts from being used again—keeping your ride smooth and safe without breaking the bank.