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.
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
2026-13440, 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.
2026-16803, Notice of Availability, Notice of Public Comment Period and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America
In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA) and FAA Order 1050.1G, FAA National Environmental Policy Act Implementing Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment for Reditus Space ENOS Reentries in the Gulf of America (Draft EA).
2026-16795, Airworthiness Directives; The Boeing Company Airplanes
The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 737 -300, -400, and -500 series airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of nuisance stick shaker activation while accelerating to cruise speed at the top of a climb due to frozen angle of airflow (AOA) sensor vanes. This proposed AD would require installing new external case heaters (ECHs) on the left and right AOA sensors, performing repetitive functional tests and applicable corrective actions, and accomplishing applicable concurrent actions. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.
2026-16804, Establishment of Class E Airspace; Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK
This action proposes to establish Class E airspace extending upward from 700 feet above the surface at Trading Bay Production Airport, Trading Bay, AK. This action would support the safety and management of instrument flight rules (IFR) operations at the airport.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20282, Incorporation by Reference; North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria; Hazardous Materials Safety Permits (2025)
The FMCSA wants to update the rules for inspecting trucks carrying dangerous radioactive materials by using the newest safety handbook from 2025. This change helps inspectors across the country follow the same clear rules, making roads safer for everyone. Truck drivers and companies hauling hazardous materials should get ready, and comments on this update are open until December 19, 2025.
Next: 2025-20323, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
The FAA wants to update safety rules for certain Airbus Canada airplanes (formerly Bombardier C Series). They’re asking owners to keep checking fuel valves, inspect fuel tubes, and replace a part called the saddle clamp to keep flights safe. Comments are open until January 5, 2026, so operators should act soon to avoid costly fixes later.