FAA Mandates Hoist Overload Guards for Old Sikorsky Choppers
Published Date: 8/5/2025
Rule
Summary
Sikorsky helicopters S-61A, S-61L, and S-61N, especially those modified by Carson Helicopters, are getting a new safety feature: an overload protection device in their hoists. Since current rules don’t cover this tech, special safety standards are now set to keep everyone safe. This means operators need to follow these new rules to keep flying smoothly and safely.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
New FAA Safety Standards for S-61 Hoists
The FAA issued special conditions setting additional safety standards for an overload protection device (OLPD) installed in the hoist on Sikorsky Model S-61A, S-61L, and S-61N helicopters, including those modified by Supplemental Type Certificate No. SH640NE. The special conditions state these additional standards are necessary to establish a level of safety equivalent to existing airworthiness standards.
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Key Dates
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