# 2026-13060: FAA Orders Fix for Airbus Helicopter Cargo Hooks

2026-13060, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters, is a Federal Register rule from Transportation Department, Federal Aviation Administration published 2026-06-29, effective 2026-08-03; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-07-06).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-13060
- As of: 2026-07-06
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-13060
- Title: Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Helicopters
- Type: Rule
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Aviation Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 38997
- Published: 2026-06-29
- Effective: 2026-08-03
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: 2120-AA64
- Last updated: 2026-07-06

## In one line

FAA Orders Fix for Airbus Helicopter Cargo Hooks

## Summary

If you own or operate Airbus Helicopters AS350 models, listen up! The FAA found a problem with certain cargo hooks that might not fit right, so they’re requiring inspections and possible replacements to keep things safe. This rule kicks in August 3, 2026, and you can’t install the faulty hooks anymore—better safe than sorry, and it might cost a bit to fix.

## Abstract

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, and AS350D helicopters. This AD was prompted by a report of non- conformity of a certain cargo hook. This AD requires inspecting the gap between the filler and the side plates of the affected cargo hook and, depending on the results, replacing the cargo hook. This AD also prohibits installing an affected cargo hook on any helicopter. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

## Effects PRIA read

- Mandatory cargo-hook inspections: cost, high. If you own or operate Airbus Helicopters Model AS350B, AS350BA, AS350B1, AS350B2, AS350B3, or AS350D, you must inspect the gap between the filler and the side plates of the cargo hook. The AD is effective August 3, 2026, and the FAA estimates the required inspection costs $85 per helicopter.
- Ban on installing affected cargo hooks: cost, medium. Starting August 3, 2026, you may not install an affected cargo hook on any helicopter. The AD explicitly prohibits installation of the affected cargo hook model as part of the required corrective actions.
- Risk of large one-time replacement cost: cost, high. The FAA estimates operators will incur either a one-time inspection cost of $85 or an inspection plus a one-time replacement cost of $62,561 per helicopter. The AD applies to 898 U.S.-registered helicopters, so replacements for affected hooks could lead to large one-time expenses for operators.
- Special flight permits limited to no external loads: benefit, low. The FAA allows special flight permits under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to move helicopters, but only if there are no external load (external sling) operations. This lets operators ferry aircraft for maintenance or inspection while restricting external-load use.

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## Sources
- [2026-13060 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/29/2026-13060/airworthiness-directives-airbus-helicopters)
- [2026-13060 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-29/pdf/2026-13060.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-13058, Airworthiness Directives; Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp. Engines](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-13058)
- [Next: 2026-13062, Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS Airplanes](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-13062)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-13060 (as of 2026-07-06).