Helicopter Hoist Booms Get FAA Usage Check Mandate
Published Date: 4/25/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
If you own or operate certain Airbus Helicopters Deutschland models, the FAA wants you to check how many times your hoist boom has been used and inspect it carefully. If problems pop up, you’ll need to fix them, and you can’t install these parts unless they meet new safety rules. Comments on this plan are open until June 9, 2025, so get ready to act and keep flying safe!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory hoist-boom cycle counts and inspections
If you own or operate the listed Airbus Helicopters Deutschland models, you must determine the total accumulated cycles for hoist boom assemblies (P/N 44301-500, 44307-500, and 44307-500-1) and perform repetitive inspections based on those cycles. If inspections find surface deformation, damage, corrosion (within or exceeding allowable limits), or cracks, you must repair within allowable limits or replace the hoist boom assembly before further flight. The FAA proposes this AD to address new fatigue calculations that factor in external loads (including human external cargo).
Estimated inspection and replacement costs
The FAA estimates this proposed AD affects 732 U.S.-registered helicopters. Estimated labor is $85/hour: determining total cycles takes 0.5 hour ($43 per helicopter); an inspection takes 4 hours ($340 per helicopter and $248,880 for the U.S. fleet per inspection cycle). Repair within allowable limits is estimated up to 1 hour ($85 per helicopter); replacing a hoist boom assembly is estimated up to 5 hours plus parts costing $68,188 to $88,812 for a total replacement cost of about $68,613 to $89,237 per helicopter.
Installation prohibition unless requirements met
The proposed AD would prohibit installing hoist boom assemblies with P/N 44301-500, 44307-500, and 44307-500-1 on any helicopter unless they meet the AD's inspection and corrective-action requirements. The FAA incorporates EASA AD 2023-0066 by reference and expressly prohibits installation unless its requirements are satisfied.
No required reporting to manufacturer
Although EASA AD 2023-0066 asks operators to submit certain information to the manufacturer, this FAA proposed AD does not require submitting that information. Operators are not required by this FAA AD to send the EASA-specified reports to the manufacturer.
Some EASA-covered models excluded from U.S. AD
The EASA AD covers additional models (EC635 P2+, EC635 P3, EC635 T1, EC635 T3, and MBB-BK117 D-3m), but the FAA proposed AD does not apply to those models because they are not FAA type-certificated. Owners/operators of those excluded models in the U.S. are not subject to this FAA AD.
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: 2025-07111, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters Deutschland GmbH (AHD) Helicopters
If you fly an Airbus Helicopters Deutschland EC135 model, listen up! The FAA wants you to check the tail rotor driveshaft for any weird movement and fix any problems, especially with the flexible couplings that have been breaking. You can’t install a new tail rotor driveshaft unless you follow the new safety steps. Comments on this plan are open until June 9, 2025, so get involved early!
Next: 2025-07118, Modification of Class E Airspace; Yellowstone Regional Airport, Cody, WY
The FAA wants to change the airspace around Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody, WY to make flying safer and easier for pilots using instruments. They’re updating the airspace boundaries and legal details to support better flight control. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until June 9, 2025, to speak up—no costs or fees involved!