FAA Orders Fix for Hand-Loose Airbus Helicopter Windows
Published Date: 6/29/2026
Rule
Summary
If you own or work with Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B, listen up! The FAA found some window parts that can get loose by hand, which isn’t safe. Starting August 3, 2026, you’ll need to fix those windows and can’t put the faulty parts back on. This keeps everyone flying safe without breaking the bank or the clock.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
H160‑B Windows Must Be Made Serviceable
If you operate or maintain an Airbus Helicopters Model H160-B, you must modify each affected passenger window into a serviceable window per EASA AD 2024-0063 as required by this FAA AD. This AD is effective August 3, 2026, and it also prohibits installing an affected window or an affected door on any helicopter.
Estimated Compliance Cost Per Helicopter
The FAA estimates this AD affects 10 U.S.-registered H160-B helicopters. The estimated cost to modify 4 windows per helicopter is 13 work-hours at $85/hour ($1,105) plus $3,132 in parts, for a total cost per helicopter of $4,237 and an aggregate U.S. cost of $42,370.
Limited Special Flight Permits Allowed
Operators may obtain special flight permits under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to operate affected helicopters for compliance purposes, but such permits are allowed only if there are no flights over water.
You Can Request Alternative Compliance (AMOC)
If an operator needs a different way to comply, they may request an Alternative Method of Compliance (AMOC) from the Manager, International Validation Branch, FAA, following the procedures in 14 CFR 39.19.
FAA: No Significant Impact on Small Entities
The FAA certified under the Regulatory Flexibility Act that this AD will not result in a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities; the FAA identified two domestic entities potentially affected and determined both are large businesses under SBA size standards.
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