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.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-10076 — Airworthiness Directives; Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd & Co KG Engines
The FAA wants to make sure Rolls-Royce Trent7000-72 and Trent7000-72C engines stay safe by stopping certain lubrication pumps from being installed unless they meet new rules. This comes after some engines shut down mid-flight because parts failed too soon. If you own or work with these engines, you’ll need to follow these new rules soon, but no big costs are expected.
2026-10047 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes
The FAA wants all Airbus A330-841 and A330-941 airplanes to get regular checks for cracks on certain wing parts to keep flights safe. If cracks are found, fixes must be done right away. Comments on this plan are open until July 6, 2026, and these inspections might cost airlines some time and money but will help prevent bigger problems.
2026-09953 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: Experimental Aircraft: Letters of Deviation Authority (LODA)
The FAA is renewing its approval to collect info from pilots who want special permission to give paid flight lessons in experimental aircraft. This helps make sure these lessons are safe. If you’re involved, you can comment by June 18, 2026, and there’s no new cost—just the usual paperwork.
2026-09971 — Notice of Draft FAA Order 5100-38E, Airport Improvement Program Handbook
The FAA is updating its Airport Improvement Program Handbook to reflect new laws and policies since 2017. This affects airports, states, and contractors who rely on federal funding for airport projects. You can review the draft and share your thoughts by August 17, 2026, so the FAA can finalize the new guide and keep airport funding running smoothly.
2026-09972 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Mitsubishi MU-2B Series Airplane Training Requirements
The FAA is renewing its paperwork rules for pilots flying the Mitsubishi MU-2B airplane to make sure they get special training and follow safety steps. This affects MU-2B pilots who must keep records proving they completed the required training. Comments on this plan are open until June 18, 2026, and the goal is to keep flying safer without adding extra hassle or costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22250 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
If you fly or maintain Airbus Helicopters like the AS332 or EC225LP models, listen up! The FAA updated safety rules to add new fuel filter checks, including inspecting the inside surfaces and tightening bolts differently. These changes kick in January 12, 2026, and could mean some parts need replacing to keep flights safe and smooth.
Next: 2025-22289 — Federal Travel Regulation; Reorganizing and Streamlining the Federal Travel Regulation To Improve Operational Efficiency
Starting December 8, 2025, the government is making federal travel rules simpler and easier to follow. These changes affect all federal employees who travel or relocate for work, cutting out confusing and repeated rules to save time and taxpayer money. It’s a smart update that keeps things modern and efficient without losing important protections.