FAA Orders Rescue Hoist Fixes on Airbus and Leonardo Choppers
Published Date: 11/19/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FAA wants to make sure certain Airbus and Leonardo helicopters stay safe by replacing rescue hoist assemblies that might have faulty parts. If you own one of these helicopters, you’ll need to swap out the affected hoists and follow new rules about installing them. Comments on this plan are open until January 5, 2026, so owners should act soon to avoid safety risks and possible costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Must Replace Non‑conforming Rescue Hoists
If you own any of the listed Airbus or Leonardo helicopter models (for example: H160-B; EC 225LP; AS-365N3; AS 332L2; EC135 variants; MBB-BK117 C-2/D-2/D-3 variants; AB139; AW109SP; AW139; AW169; AW189), you must replace each affected rescue hoist assembly with a serviceable rescue hoist assembly. The proposed AD also prohibits installing an affected rescue hoist assembly unless certain requirements are met as specified in EASA AD 2025-0051R1 (incorporated by reference).
Estimated Cost: $46,913 Per Helicopter
The FAA estimates the replacement will cost $46,913 per helicopter (parts $46,573 plus 4 work‑hours at $85/hour = $340). The FAA estimates the rule would affect 858 U.S.-registered helicopters for a total estimated cost to U.S. operators of $40,251,354.
No Parts Return or Reporting Required
Although the referenced EASA AD specifies submitting information and returning parts to the manufacturer for rework, this FAA proposed AD explicitly states it does not require submitting that information or returning parts. Operators therefore would not be required by this FAA AD to send parts back or file those reports.
Limited Special Flight Permits Allowed
Special flight permits may be issued to fly a helicopter to a location where the replacement can be done, provided that the rescue hoist is not used during that flight. This lets operators ferry helicopters for maintenance without using the hoist.
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