FAA Orders Fix for Dropping Cargo on Airbus Helicopters
Published Date: 12/8/2025
Rule
Summary
If you fly certain Airbus Helicopters like the AS350 or EC130, listen up! The FAA found a problem where cargo could accidentally drop because a release cable wasn’t set right. Starting January 12, 2026, owners must inspect this cable once and fix it if needed to keep flights safe—no big ongoing costs, just a quick check to avoid a big mess.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
One-time safety inspection required
If you own or operate certain Airbus Helicopters (AS 350B2, AS 350B3, AS355N, AS355NP, or EC 130 B4 equipped with ONBOARD systems 3500LB P/N 704A41811035), you must do a one-time inspection of the cargo swing emergency release control and do corrective actions if needed. This requirement is effective January 12, 2026 and follows the procedures in EASA AD 2025-0025.
Estimated compliance and repair costs
The FAA estimates the AD affects 1,036 U.S. helicopters. The inspection is estimated at 1 work-hour ($85) per helicopter; corrective adjustments are estimated at $170, and replacing the dropping control is estimated at about $3,655 (labor $128 + parts $3,527). The manufacturer stated some costs may be covered under warranty.
Allowed ferry flights with restrictions
Special flight permits may be issued to fly the helicopter to a location where the AD actions can be done, provided no external load is carried on the cargo swing. This lets operators move helicopters for compliance work without performing the AD in place.
No reporting to manufacturer required
Although the EASA material asks operators to submit certain information to the manufacturer, the FAA AD explicitly does not require submitting that information. You still must do the inspection and corrective actions, but you are not required by this AD to report results to the manufacturer.
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