FAA Orders Helicopter Hoist Swaps to Avoid Rescue Fails
Published Date: 8/28/2026
Rule
Summary
If you fly certain Airbus or Leonardo helicopters, listen up! The FAA found some rescue hoist parts that might not work right, so they’re making owners swap out those parts for safe ones by October 2, 2026. This keeps everyone safer and stops risky gear from being installed again—expect some costs and a tight deadline to get it done.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Replace Affected Rescue Hoists Now
If you operate any of the listed helicopter models, you must replace each affected rescue hoist assembly with a serviceable rescue hoist assembly in accordance with EASA AD 2025-0051R1. The FAA estimates this AD affects 858 U.S. helicopters and the cost to replace a rescue hoist is $46,913 per helicopter (4 work-hours at $85/hour plus $46,573 in parts). The AD is effective October 2, 2026.
Installation of Affected Hoists Prohibited
You are prohibited from installing an affected rescue hoist assembly on these helicopters unless the conditions and requirements specified in EASA AD 2025-0051R1 (as adopted by this AD) are met. The AD explicitly includes a prohibition on installation of affected rescue hoist assemblies unless certain requirements are satisfied.
No Reporting or Return Requirement
Although the referenced EASA material asks for submitting information and returning parts, this FAA AD does not require reporting or returning parts. The AD explicitly states in paragraph (i) that it does not require those actions.
Special Flight Permits Allowed to Repair Site
You may be issued a special flight permit under 14 CFR 21.197 and 21.199 to fly the helicopter to a location where the AD requirements can be accomplished, provided the rescue hoist is not used during that flight. The AD allows special flight permits for this limited purpose.
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