EASA AD 2026-0116
Doors – Emergency Exit Rope on the Jettisonable Window Systems – Cleaning
Summary
EASA Airworthiness Directive 2026-0116 is an airworthiness directive issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency affecting Airbus Helicopters H160-B models. It addresses the cleaning and operational testing of the emergency exit rope on the jettisonable window systems to ensure proper functionality. The directive mandates maintenance actions to prevent blockage of the window jettison mechanism caused by contamination on the ropes.
What Changed
This new airworthiness directive introduces mandatory cleaning of the ropes on the jettisonable windows and requires an operational test of the jettison systems on affected H160-B helicopters. It also allows reinstallation of affected parts only after cleaning and testing in accordance with the directive. The directive is based on a reported incident where white particles blocked the jettison mechanism, posing a safety risk.
Why It Matters
This directive is critical for operators and maintenance organizations to ensure the emergency exit windows can be jettisoned reliably in an emergency, which is vital for occupant evacuation. Compliance prevents potential safety hazards caused by rope contamination that could block the jettison function. It also ensures continued airworthiness and regulatory compliance for affected helicopters.
What To Do
Operators of Airbus Helicopters H160-B must clean the ropes of the jettisonable windows within six months from 29 June 2026 following the Airbus Helicopters Alert Service Bulletin H160-52-20-0004. After cleaning, an operational test of the jettison systems must be performed before the next flight. Any discrepancies found during testing require contacting Airbus Helicopters for corrective instructions and completing those actions within the specified timeframe.
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