FAA Targets Airbus Helicopter Cargo Hook Safety Gaps
Published Date: 11/18/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants all owners of certain Airbus AS-350 helicopters to check a specific cargo hook for safety gaps and replace it if needed. They also want to stop anyone from putting the faulty cargo hooks on helicopters in the future. Comments on this safety check must be sent by January 2, 2026, and fixing or replacing parts might cost some money but keeps flights safe and sound.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Inspect and Replace Faulty Cargo Hooks
If you own or operate an Airbus Helicopters Model AS-350B, AS 350BA, AS 350B1, AS 350B2, AS 350B3, or AS-350D, the FAA proposes you must inspect the gap between the filler and side plates of a specific cargo hook and replace the cargo hook if the inspection shows it is non-conforming. The proposed rule also would prohibit installing an affected cargo hook on any helicopter. The FAA estimates the AD would affect 898 U.S.-registered helicopters, inspection costs would be $85 per helicopter (1 work-hour x $85), totaling $76,330 for those helicopters, and a replacement (if required) has estimated parts cost and total per-product cost as shown in the rule.
Special Flight Permits Limited for External Loads
The FAA allows special flight permits under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 only if there are no external load operations. That means operators seeking ferry or special flight permits while this AD is in effect cannot conduct external load operations on those flights.
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