Airbus Helicopters Get FAA Order for Faulty Hoist Checks
Published Date: 2/4/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly Airbus Helicopters like the AS332 or SA-365 models, listen up! The FAA found some rescue hoist cables might have a faulty ball end, which could be dangerous. Starting February 19, 2025, helicopter owners must inspect these cables and replace them if needed to keep everyone safe. Comments on this rule are open until March 21, 2025, so there’s time to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory hoist-cable inspection and replace
If you operate Airbus Helicopters Model AS332L, AS332L1, AS365 N3, SA-365C1, SA-365C2, SA-365N, or SA-365N1, you must inspect certain rescue hoist cable assemblies and replace them if defects (such as gouging or a defective ball end) are found. This AD is effective February 19, 2025, and requires compliance with the actions in EASA AD 2024-0244 as incorporated by reference.
Estimated inspection and replacement costs
The FAA estimates the AD affects up to 227 U.S.-registered helicopters. Inspecting a rescue hoist cable assembly is estimated at 2 work-hours ($170) per helicopter (fleet total up to $38,590). If replacement is required, the FAA estimates 1 work-hour plus $10,218 in parts for an estimated $10,303 per helicopter. The manufacturer may cover some costs under warranty.
Special fly-to-repair permit with restrictions
You may be issued a special flight permit to fly the helicopter to a location where the AD requirements can be done, but the rescue hoist may not be used during that flight. This allows moving the helicopter for compliance while restricting rescue-hoist operations.
SA365C3 model excluded from this AD
Owners/operators of the SA365C3 model are not affected by this AD because that model is not FAA type-certificated; the FAA AD applies only to the listed certificated models.
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.
2025-04846, Extension of the Prohibition Against Certain Flights in the Territory and Airspace of Libya
The FAA is extending the ban on certain flights over Libya for three more years, until March 20, 2028. This affects U.S. airlines, commercial operators, and pilots with FAA certificates flying in Libyan airspace, due to ongoing safety risks. The rule also reminds everyone how to apply for special approvals or exemptions if needed.
2025-03853, Enforcement Policy Regarding “Drug and Alcohol Testing of Certificated Repair Station Employees Located Outside of the United States; Correction”
The FAA is giving repair stations outside the U.S. a break by delaying enforcement of new drug and alcohol testing rules until March 20, 2025. This means affected repair stations don’t have to worry about penalties if they aren’t fully following the updated rules just yet. The delay helps everyone get ready without rushing or extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02208, List of Approved Spent Fuel Storage Casks: Holtec International HI-STORM UMAX Canister Storage System, Certificate of Compliance No. 1040, Revision 1 to Amendment Nos. 0 Through 2
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission updated the rules for storing spent nuclear fuel using Holtec International’s HI-STORM UMAX system. These changes clarify radiation safety limits and measurement details to keep things safe and clear. This update affects nuclear facilities using this storage system and takes effect April 21, 2025, with no expected extra costs.
Next: 2025-02249, Airworthiness Directives; Leonardo S.p.a. Helicopters
If you fly Leonardo helicopters like the A109 or AW139, listen up! The FAA found some rescue hoist cables might have a faulty part, so they’re requiring inspections and possible replacements starting February 19, 2025. This keeps everyone safe and follows European safety rules, with comments open until March 21, 2025. Fixing or swapping these cables might cost some money but it’s worth it for safe flights!